Synonyms

beseech

American

[bih-seech] / bɪˈsitʃ /

verb (used with object)

to implore urgently.

They besought him to go at once.

Synonyms:

adjure, supplicate, petition, pray, entreat
to beg eagerly for; solicit.

Synonyms:

importune

verb (used without object)

to make urgent appeal.

Earnestly did I beseech, but to no avail.

beseech British

/ bɪˈsiːtʃ /

verb

(tr) to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something or for something); beg

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Present

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Etymology

Origin of beseech

before 1100; Middle English bisechen, Old English besēcan. See be-, seek

Explanation

If you're begging for something but you want to sound formal and a little old-fashioned, say "I beseech you!" It really captures how urgent and desperate you are, yet perhaps saves a shred of your dignity. Beseech sounds a little like seek, which is appropriate. To beseech is to seek for something, or for permission. It is commonly used when people have an urgent request of clergy, or of a formal elder. It definitely adds dramatic undertones to whatever you're talking about. When your very life is on the line, it's your last hope, and you have nowhere else to turn, it's time to start beseeching.

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Reflecting his deep interest in religion and spirituality, above the door is inscribed the prayer: "Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord."

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

“I beseech you to control him, if you can.”

From Slate • Nov. 6, 2023

"I beseech you to control him if you can. If you can't, I will."

From Reuters • Nov. 6, 2023

"I beseech you to control him, if you can," the judge said again shortly after, warning Kise that he would control the former president if the attorney did not.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

Barrius’s eyes beseech the courtyard, seeking out anyone willing to offer him a shred of pity.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023