expostulation

[ ik-spos-chuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of expostulating; remonstrance; earnest and kindly protest:

   In spite of my expostulations, he insisted on driving me home.

2. an expostulatory remark or address.

Word History and Origins

Origin of expostulation¹

1580–90; < Latin expostulātiōn- (stem of expostulātiō ) complaint. See expostulate, -ion

Example Sentences

M. Roland was urged to present to the throne a most earnest letter of expostulation and advice.

From Project Gutenberg

Never, indeed, without persuasion on the part of his employer and expostulation on his own, did he consent to half-bind a book.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Tyrold forbore to chagrin him with any strong expostulation, and he returned, therefore, to Cleves in full glee.

From Project Gutenberg

Expostulation was not of the slightest use, and sometimes it was all Richard could do to keep his hands off her.

From Project Gutenberg

It is no longer strong condemnation, but gentle expostulation; not dark threatening now, but tender pleading.

From Project Gutenberg