behest
[bih-hest]
- a command or directive.
- an earnest or strongly worded request.
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Origin of behest
Synonyms
See more synonyms for behest on Thesaurus.com1. order, bidding, decree, dictate, mandate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for behest
Contemporary Examples
Jackson declined to comment on the case, saying it was at the behest of his lawyer.
The pair were working at the behest of a human-rights organization called the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD).
I explained I was in the country at the behest of the Department of State, as a kind of cultural ambassador.
Or the time he ran and hid—at his mother's behest—during the Battle of the Blackwater.
Game of Thrones’ ‘The Lion and the Rose’: Joffrey’s Demented, Shocking Royal WeddingAndrew Romano
April 14, 2014
The following day, Magnitsky was arrested at the behest of Lt. Col. Kuznetsov.
Historical Examples
"I'm no trunk to be shipped hither and thither at someone's behest," I said.
Secret Memoirs: The Story of Louise, Crown PrincessHenry W. Fischer
That was easily done; but what should be done as to the other behest?
Is He Popenjoy?Anthony Trollope
And if ye give me my life, I will be your man and do your behest.'
King Arthur's KnightsHenry Gilbert
Such is the behest of Providence; there are compulsions linked to treason.
Napoleon the LittleVictor Hugo
To have died at your behest at the instant would have been as nothing.
The Fixed PeriodAnthony Trollope
behest
- an authoritative order or earnest request
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Word Origin
Old English behǣs, from behātan; see be-, hest
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for behest
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper