behest

[ bih-hest ]

noun

1. a command or directive.

   Synonyms: mandate, dictate, decree, bidding, order

2. an earnest or strongly worded request.

behest

/ bɪˈhɛst /

noun

1. an authoritative order or earnest request

Word History and Origins

Origin of behest¹

before 1000; Middle English bihest ( e ), Old English behǣs promise. See be-, hest

Word History and Origins

Origin of behest¹

Old English behǣs , from behātan ; see be- , hest

Example Sentences

Jackson declined to comment on the case, saying it was at the behest of his lawyer.

From The Daily Beast

The pair were working at the behest of a human-rights organization called the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD).

From The Daily Beast

I explained I was in the country at the behest of the Department of State, as a kind of cultural ambassador.

From The Daily Beast

Or the time he ran and hid—at his mother's behest—during the Battle of the Blackwater.

From The Daily Beast

The following day, Magnitsky was arrested at the behest of Lt. Col. Kuznetsov.

From The Daily Beast

Miss Boutts awaited the buggy, in the tiny porch, and had obeyed Isabel's behest to look her prettiest.

From Project Gutenberg

The humbly sympathizing friend became once more the respectful servant, and hurried away to carry out his young mistress's behest.

From Project Gutenberg

I would no longer take my elephant anywhere and everywhere at the behest of the monkey, for monkeys have no judgment.

From Project Gutenberg

Peter Barrington had, however, heard enough to inform him of his sister's high behest.

From Project Gutenberg

"My going out is so irregular," said Armine, not by any means as he would have accepted a behest of Petronella's.

From Project Gutenberg