Synonyms

beseech

American

[bih-seech] / bɪˈsitʃ /

verb (used with object)

besought, beseeched, beseeching

to implore urgently.

They besought him to go at once.

Synonyms:

adjure, supplicate, petition, pray, entreat
to beg eagerly for; solicit.

Synonyms:

importune

verb (used without object)

besought, beseeched, beseeching

to make urgent appeal.

Earnestly did I beseech, but to no avail.

beseech British

/ bɪˈsiːtʃ /

verb

(tr) to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something or for something); beg

"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

Other Word Forms

beseecher noun
beseeching adjective
beseechingly adverb
beseechingness noun
unbeseeching adjective
unbeseechingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of beseech

before 1100; Middle English bisechen, Old English besēcan. See be-, seek

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.

They beseeched the leaders to “take all possible steps to maintain wildlife movement across the international border.”

From Los Angeles Times

Reflecting his deep interest in religion and spirituality, above the door is inscribed the prayer: "Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord."

From BBC

"I really beseech the court to allow this trial to continue," he added.

From BBC

Little wonder the local community is beseeching the heavens for rain.

From BBC

Business and union leaders joined in publicly and privately, beseeching him not to go down this idiotic road.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023