importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]

verb (used with object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

1. to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.

   Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, implore, entreat, beseech

2. to make improper advances toward (a person).
3. to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.

   Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, implore, entreat, beseech

4. Obsolete. to annoy.
5. Obsolete. to press; impel.

verb (used without object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

1. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.

   Synonyms: plead

2. to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

1. importunate.

importune

/ ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn /

verb

1. to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
2. to beg for persistently; request with insistence
3. obsolete.
   1. to anger or annoy
   2. to force; impel

Derived Forms

• ˌimporˈtunity, noun
• imˈportuner, noun

Other Words From

• impor·tunely adverb
• impor·tuner noun
• unim·por·tuned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of importune¹

1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; im- ², opportune

Word History and Origins

Origin of importune¹

C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in- ¹+ -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune

Example Sentences

I beg, plead, implore, importune: Get some spokespeople out there for the cause who are just regular Americans.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps some other way may be found, though it does not as yet occur to me, by means of which I need not importune you in future.

From Project Gutenberg

I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's good counsel have.

From Project Gutenberg

But why importune readers with Emily's theory, when they have doubtless already guessed it in detail?

From Project Gutenberg

I believed your assertions, I yielded to your importune lies, and said I would name the day.

From Project Gutenberg

The others saw how it was and did not further importune him.

From Project Gutenberg