importune

American  

[im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn] / ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən /

verb (used with object)

importuned, importuning

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.

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verb (used without object)

importuned, importuning

1. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.

   Synonyms:

   plead

2. to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

1. importunate.

importune British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• importunely adverb
• importuner noun
• importunity noun
• unimportuned adjective

Etymology

Origin of importune

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

Example Sentences

Getting the devices out means keeping out the importuning virtual world, with its entertainers and weirdos and cyberbullies, and creating space for psychic and physical rest.

From The Wall Street Journal

For example, one count against Mr. Trump said that he “unlawfully solicited, requested and importuned” the Georgia secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to violate his oath of office by decertifying the election.

From New York Times

In the Book of Samuel, Israelites importune its eponymous judge to “Give us a king to rule over us, like all the other nations.”

From Salon

“The needs are too great. And if we pass a strong package with strong bipartisan support, it will importune the House somehow or other to act, despite the morass they are in.”

From Washington Times

It had to be around here someplace, but Michael R. Jackson could not readily locate his Pulitzer Prize certificate when an importuning visitor asked for a look.

From New York Times