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View synonyms for importune

importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]

verb (used with object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.
  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.


verb (used without object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.
  1. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.

    Synonyms: plead

  2. to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

importune

/ 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
“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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Derived Forms

  • ˌimporˈtunity, noun
  • imˈportuner, noun
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Other Words From

  • impor·tunely adverb
  • impor·tuner noun
  • unim·por·tuned adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of importune1

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

Origin of importune1

C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in- 1+ -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune
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Example Sentences

I beg, plead, implore, importune: Get some spokespeople out there for the cause who are just regular Americans.

Perhaps some other way may be found, though it does not as yet occur to me, by means of which I need not importune you in future.

I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's good counsel have.

But why importune readers with Emily's theory, when they have doubtless already guessed it in detail?

I believed your assertions, I yielded to your importune lies, and said I would name the day.

The others saw how it was and did not further importune him.

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