entreat

Archaic, in·treat

[en-treet]

verb (used with object)

1. to ask (a person) earnestly; beseech; implore; beg.

   to entreat the judge for mercy.

   Synonyms: solicit, sue, importune, pray

2. to ask earnestly for (something).

   He entreated help in his work.

verb (used without object)

1. to make an earnest request or petition.

entreat

/ ɪnˈtriːt /

verb

1. to ask (a person) earnestly; beg or plead with; implore

2. to make an earnest request or petition for (something)

3. an archaic word for treat

Other Word Forms

• entreatingly adverb
• entreatment noun
• nonentreating adjective
• nonentreatingly adverb
• unentreated adjective
• unentreating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entreat¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English entreten, from Middle French entrait(i)er; en- ¹, treat

Word History and Origins

Origin of entreat¹

C15: from Old French entraiter, from _en- ¹ + traiter to _treat

Synonym Study

See appeal.

Example Sentences

Stephen, called back from Paris as his mother was dying, is tormented a year later by his refusal to pray over her as she entreated him to do.

From Los Angeles Times

That prompted the owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, another local landmark, to print T-shirts and bumper stickers entreating fellow residents to “Keep Santa Cruz Weird.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Some of them didn’t know their way here,” said Bah, adding that she entreated them to participate despite their mistrust.

From Washington Post

Corgan and company plan to release the album in three parts, and the first glimpse, “Beguiled,” entreats the listener to “return the faith” over a metallic palm-muted riff reminiscent of the band’s old days.

From Washington Post

Wake up to joy, it entreats, before it’s too late.

From Washington Post