Synonyms

beseech

American

[bih-seech] / bɪˈsitʃ /

verb (used with object)

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)

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

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Present

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Etymology

Origin of beseech

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

Explanation

If you're begging for something but you want to sound formal and a little old-fashioned, say "I beseech you!" It really captures how urgent and desperate you are, yet perhaps saves a shred of your dignity. Beseech sounds a little like seek, which is appropriate. To beseech is to seek for something, or for permission. It is commonly used when people have an urgent request of clergy, or of a formal elder. It definitely adds dramatic undertones to whatever you're talking about. When your very life is on the line, it's your last hope, and you have nowhere else to turn, it's time to start beseeching.

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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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.

"I beseech you to control him," the judge added.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2023

“I beseech you to control him if you can. If you can’t, I will. I will excuse him and draw every negative inference that I can,” said Engoron.

From Slate • Nov. 6, 2023

"I beseech you to control him if you can. If you can't, I will."

From Reuters • Nov. 6, 2023

Engoron later told Kise again, "I beseech you to control him if you can."

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

Wang Lung was pleased at her strength, although he cared nothing for festivities on this year, and he sent Cuckoo in to beseech Liu, the grain merchant, seeing how sad the case was.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

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