canvass

[kan-vuhs]

verb (used with object)

1. to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.

2. to examine carefully; investigate by inquiry; discuss; debate.

   Synonyms: explore, scrutinize, analyze

verb (used without object)

1. to solicit votes, opinions, or the like.

noun

1. a soliciting of votes, orders, or the like.

2. a campaign for election to government office.

3. close inspection; scrutiny.

   the official canvass of election results.

canvass

/ ˈkænvəs /

verb

1. to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from

2. to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey

3. to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate

4. to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity

noun

1. a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc

2. close inspection; scrutiny

Other Word Forms

• canvasser noun
• precanvass verb (used with object)
• uncanvassed adjective
• undercanvass verb
• well-canvassed adjective
• canvassing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

First recorded in 1500–10; originally a spelling variant of canvas, as a verb; the sense “discuss” apparently a development of the earlier senses “toss in a canvas sheet,” and “harshly criticize”; the sense “solicit votes” is obscurely derived

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

C16: probably from obsolete sense of _canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained

Example Sentences

The police have never canvassed this area in detail even though they had a confession.

From BBC

On Thursday, as federal agents canvassed a neighborhood near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking when he was hit in the neck with a single bullet, some residents offered them water.

From Los Angeles Times

Poilievre defended his campaign, telling the Calgary Herald newspaper that he had canvassed like he was "one vote behind".

From BBC

United's squad was canvassed about what they wanted from a training ground.

From BBC

In the years that followed, hundreds of local officials and volunteers canvassed communities across Texas, mapping out vulnerabilities.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitate 
• consult 
• inspect 
• scrutinize 
• solicit