Solicit
Pronunciation
- enPR: sÉ™-lÄs'Ät
- IPA: /səˈlɪsɪt/
- Rhymes: -ɪsɪt
Origin
From Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitÄre (""), present active participle of sollicitÅ ("stir, disturb; look after"), from sollicitus ("agitated, anxious, punctilious", literally thoroughly moved), from sollus ("whole, entire") + perfect passive participle of cieÅ ("shake, excite, cite, to put in motion").
Full definition of solicit
Verb
- To persistently endeavor to obtain an object, or bring about an event.to solicit alms, or a favour
- Alexander PopeI view my crime, but kindle at the view,
Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me? - To woo; to court.
- To persuade or incite one to commit some act, especially illegal or sexual behavior.
- MiltonThat fruit ... solicited her longing eye.
- LockeSounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
- If you want to lose your virginity, you should try to solicit some fine looking women.
- To offer to perform sexual activity, especially when for a payment.My girlfriend tried to solicit me for sex, but I was tired.
- To make a petition.
- (archaic) To disturb or trouble; to harass.
- To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
- FordShould
My brother henceforth study to forget
The vow that he hath made thee, I would ever
Solicit thy deserts. - (obsolete, rare) To disturb; to disquiet.
- ChapmanHath any ill solicited thine ears?
- DrydenBut anxious fears solicit my weak breast.