expostulation

[ ik-spos-chuh-ley-shuhn ]
See synonyms for expostulation on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act of expostulating; remonstrance; earnest and kindly protest: In spite of my expostulations, he insisted on driving me home.

  2. an expostulatory remark or address.

Origin of expostulation

1
1580–90; <Latin expostulātiōn- (stem of expostulātiō) complaint. See expostulate, -ion

Words Nearby expostulation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use expostulation in a sentence

  • M. Roland was urged to present to the throne a most earnest letter of expostulation and advice.

  • Never, indeed, without persuasion on the part of his employer and expostulation on his own, did he consent to half-bind a book.

    There and Back | George MacDonald
  • Mr. Tyrold forbore to chagrin him with any strong expostulation, and he returned, therefore, to Cleves in full glee.

    Camilla | Fanny Burney
  • expostulation was not of the slightest use, and sometimes it was all Richard could do to keep his hands off her.

    There and Back | George MacDonald
  • It is no longer strong condemnation, but gentle expostulation; not dark threatening now, but tender pleading.