expostulate
to reason earnestly with someone against something that person intends to do or has done; remonstrate: His father expostulated with him about the evils of gambling.
Origin of expostulate
1Other words for expostulate
Other words from expostulate
- ex·pos·tu·lat·ing·ly, adverb
- ex·pos·tu·la·tor, noun
- un·ex·pos·tu·lat·ing, adjective
Words Nearby expostulate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use expostulate in a sentence
Situated as we were, we did not feel ourselves at liberty to expostulate against the obvious unreasonableness of their demands.
“Yes,” replied the seamen, unanimously; and Ready knew that it was in vain to expostulate.
Masterman Ready | Captain Frederick MarryatTo expostulate with the rebellious house of Israel he was sent.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John CunninghamAnd so great had been my surprise over these last acquirements of the captain that until now I had had no breath to expostulate.
Richard Carvel, Complete | Winston ChurchillLet us expostulate with these learned sages, these priests of the sacred temple of justice.
British Dictionary definitions for expostulate
/ (ɪkˈspɒstjʊˌleɪt) /
(intr usually foll by with) to argue or reason (with), esp in order to dissuade from an action or intention
Origin of expostulate
1Derived forms of expostulate
- expostulatingly, adverb
- expostulation, noun
- expostulator, noun
- expostulatory or expostulative, adjective
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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