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

Public servants who lived up to their oaths of office losing their careers or being charged with crimes at the behest of a man convicted of numerous felonies.

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Divorced for 14 years, I’ve been out on the hustings, both on the street and, at my younger brother’s behest, online.

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Many conservative activists and party leaders now claim that some Republicans are being rejected as customers because of their politics — and even at the behest of government regulators.

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The brief airing of their differences was unusual, coming solely at the behest of your friendly columnist.

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Working at the behest of Loanne Miller, the Colonel’s widow, Guralnick had originally planned to publish a selection of the manager’s letters.

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