solicit

[suh-lis-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc..

   He solicited aid from the minister.

2. to entreat or petition (someone or some agency).

   to solicit the committee for funds.

   Synonyms: beg, beseech

3. to seek to influence or incite to action, especially unlawful or wrong action.

   Synonyms: provoke, arouse, excite

4. to offer to have sex with in exchange for money.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a petition or request, as for something desired.

2. to solicit orders or trade, as for a business.

   No soliciting allowed in this building.

3. to offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money.

solicit

/ səˈlɪsɪt /

verb

1. to make a request, application, or entreaty to (a person for business, support, etc)

2. to accost (a person) with an offer of sexual relations in return for money

3. to provoke or incite (a person) to do something wrong or illegal

Other Word Forms

• solicitation noun
• presolicit verb (used with object)
• resolicit verb
• supersolicit verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English soliciten, from Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitāre “to excite, agitate,” derivative of sollicitus “troubled” ( soll(us) “whole” + -i- -i- + citus, past participle of ciēre “to arouse”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

C15: from Old French solliciter to disturb, from Latin sollicitāre to harass, from sollicitus agitated, from sollus whole + citus, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

The news organizations verified the data, including by soliciting input from professors at universities in Texas.

From Salon

Critics have since pointed to that as evidence that its drafters did not adequately solicit feedback from locals.

From Los Angeles Times

Science and medical professors, whose research labs would not exist without federal funding, have solicited private donations.

From Los Angeles Times

A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Tuesday on charges that he solicited bribes and committed extortion while on duty, according to authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

McDonald “solicited millions of dollars’ worth of funds from investors” for the purposes of raising capital for Hercules at the start of 2021 after clients complained to the firm’s employees about their losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ask 
• canvass 
• drum up 
• promote 
• require 
• seek