supplication
Americannoun
noun
-
the act of supplicating
-
a humble entreaty or petition; prayer
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of supplication
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplicātiōn-, stem of supplicātiō; equivalent to supplicate + -ion
Explanation
Think of a supplication as sort of a prayer, a request for help from a deity. The word carries a sense of awe and adoration with it, suggesting something tentative, even servile, a respectful appeal to a higher power. Although it is a noun, supplication comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means "to plead humbly." While a supplication is often thought of as a religious prayer (it is used 60 times in the Bible), it can logically be applied to any situation in which you must entreat someone in power for help or a favor. Still, it carries with it an aura of religiosity and deep entreaty, and should not be used to describe just any simple request.
Vocabulary lists containing supplication
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
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Grade 12, List 3
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Their Eyes Were Watching God
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hell, most Old Testament patriarchs aren’t as demanding of loyalty and filial supplication as Rupert Murdoch, save for God himself.
From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026
Unlike the bulk of Jewish worship, which must be done in public, tehillim are prayers most commonly whispered alone, in private supplication.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2023
But he added that "when a blessing is requested, it is expressing a plea to God for help, a supplication to live better".
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2023
Pilgrims raised their hands in supplication, took selfies or video, and phoned their relatives as they performed the tawaf.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 24, 2023
No supplication was ever more passionate yet more gently carried by the breath.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
