supplication

American  

[suhp-li-key-shuhn] / ˌsʌp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of supplicating; humble prayer, entreaty, or petition.

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supplication British  

/ ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of supplicating

2. a humble entreaty or petition; prayer

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Other Word Forms

• nonsupplication
  noun
• presupplication
  noun

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.

Example Sentences

Hugh Singleton, 1553-88, The Supplication of Doctour Barnes, &c., black letter, morocco extra, by Rivière, no date, 8vo, £10.

From Book Collecting: A Guide for Amateurs by Slater, J. Herbert (John Herbert)

"Supplication to man may diffuse itself through many topics of persuasion; but supplication to God can only cry for mercy."

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume 2 by Wilson, John

I will first give their characteristic address, called "Petition" or "Supplication," to the King.

From The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2. From 1620-1816 by Ryerson, Egerton

Remember that many a Rebel's Son hath had his Life spared at the Supplication of his Father; nay, the Wrath of Heaven itself is often averted by Prayer.

From The Lovers Assistant, or, New Art of Love by Fielding, Henry

But long before this obscure and arbitrary act was passed, Henry's mind had been a little shaken against papacy from a singular work, published by one Fish, called "The Supplication of Beggers."

From Bibliomania; or Book-Madness A Bibliographical Romance by Dibdin, Thomas Frognall