appeal
an earnest request for aid, support, sympathy, mercy, etc.; entreaty; petition; plea.
a request or reference to some person or authority for a decision, corroboration, judgment, etc.
Law.
an application or proceeding for review by a higher tribunal.
(in a legislative body or assembly) a formal question as to the correctness of a ruling by a presiding officer.
Obsolete. a formal charge or accusation.
the power or ability to attract, interest, amuse, or stimulate the mind or emotions: The game has lost its appeal.
Obsolete. a summons or challenge.
to ask for aid, support, mercy, sympathy, or the like; make an earnest entreaty: The college appealed to its alumni for funds.
Law. to apply for review of a case or particular issue to a higher tribunal.
to have need of or ask for proof, a decision, corroboration, etc.
to be especially attractive, pleasing, interesting, or enjoyable: The red hat appeals to me.
Law.
to apply for review of (a case) to a higher tribunal.
Obsolete. to charge with a crime before a tribunal.
Idioms about appeal
appeal to the country, British. country (def. 15).
Origin of appeal
1synonym study For appeal
word story For appeal
The Old French verb apeler is a regular French development from Latin appellāre “to speak to, address, name, call upon (for help), solicit, demand repayment, charge, accuse.” The Latin and Old French sense that prevails in English is “to refer or call to a higher authority (e.g., to the emperor or a higher judge).”
Appellāre is a frequentative derived from the verb appellere “to drive (cattle, equipment), to go or land ashore,” which develops the sense “to call to, address.”
The meaning “to be attractive or pleasing” developed from the earlier meaning “to address oneself, as to a class of people or to a principle of moral conduct, in expectation of a sympathetic response.”
Other words for appeal
Other words from appeal
- ap·peal·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- ap·peal·a·ble, adjective
- ap·peal·er, noun
- non·ap·peal·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- non·ap·peal·a·ble, adjective
- re·ap·peal, verb
- un·ap·pealed, adjective
Words Nearby appeal
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use appeal in a sentence
No matter the flavor, they lack marshmallow stickiness and cloying sweetness of Rice Krispies treats, as well as the bake-sale appeal.
The Rise and Fall of the Rice Cake, America’s One-Time Favorite Health Snack | Brenna Houck | September 17, 2020 | EaterMarket-specific, rather than pan-regional, newsroom coverage will also grow the publisher’s appeal, he said.
‘We’re about hiring journalists’: Insider Inc. launches third global news hub in Singapore | Lucinda Southern | September 17, 2020 | DigidayTichina Arnold might be the funniest person on screen, and a large part of her appeal comes from her willingness to tell it like it is.
Rodríguez is currently awaiting the outcome of the appeal in her case, a process that has been delayed for more than six months.
Cuban doctor contracts coronavirus in ICE custody | Yariel Valdés González | September 9, 2020 | Washington BladePlatforms would also have to create complaint systems that notify users within 14 days of taking down their content and provide for appeals.
Why the most controversial US internet law is worth saving | Amy Nordrum | September 9, 2020 | MIT Technology Review
More to the point, Huckabee has a natural appeal to a party that has come to represent the bulk of working class white voters.
Having regional appeal is one thing; simply being a regional candidate is another.
In January, an appeal hearing will determine whether he qualifies for post-conviction relief.
The Deal With Serial’s Jay? He’s Pissed Off, Mucks Up Our Timeline | Emily Shire | December 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“Basically, I was contacted and asked if an appeal could be opened on my behalf,” she told me from her home in Providence.
The Insurance Company Promised a Gender Reassignment. Then They Made a Mistake. | James Joiner | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI was on Charlie Rose recently, and in discussing Marilyn Monroe he asked, what do you think was her great appeal?
Daphne Merkin on Lena Dunham, Book Criticism, and Self-Examination | Mindy Farabee | December 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe came back in due time, but bringing nothing for me, and I felt that my appeal had been in vain.
The Boarded-Up House | Augusta Huiell SeamanMake a personal appeal to your men and Godley's to make a supreme effort to hold their ground.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonWhile Nature is thus speaking to a child through her light, her colour and her various forms, human art makes appeal also.
Children's Ways | James SullyA burning crimson flushed over the cheek of Wharton, as Louis uttered this ardent appeal to friendship and to Heaven.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterIt was then that he heard for the first time Mamma's passionate appeal to him never to let Judy forget Mamma.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II | Rudyard Kipling
British Dictionary definitions for appeal
/ (əˈpiːl) /
a request for relief, aid, etc
the power to attract, please, stimulate, or interest: a dress with appeal
an application or resort to another person or authority, esp a higher one, as for a decision or confirmation of a decision
law
the judicial review by a superior court of the decision of a lower tribunal
a request for such review
the right to such review
cricket a verbal request to the umpire from one or more members of the fielding side to declare a batsman out
English law (formerly) a formal charge or accusation: appeal of felony
(intr) to make an earnest request for relief, support, etc
(intr) to attract, please, stimulate, or interest
law to apply to a superior court to review (a case or particular issue decided by a lower tribunal)
(intr) to resort (to), as for a decision or confirmation of a decision
(intr) cricket to ask the umpire to declare a batsman out
(intr) to challenge the umpire's or referee's decision
Origin of appeal
1Derived forms of appeal
- appealable, adjective
- appealer, noun
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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