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importune

[im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuh n]
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verb (used with object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.
  1. to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.
  2. to make improper advances toward (a person).
  3. to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.
  4. Obsolete. to annoy.
  5. Obsolete. to press; impel.
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verb (used without object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.
  1. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.
  2. to make improper advances toward another person.
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adjective
  1. importunate.
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Origin of importune

1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; see im-2, opportune
Related formsim·por·tune·ly, adverbim·por·tun·er, nounun·im·por·tuned, adjective

Synonyms

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1, 3. beseech, entreat, implore, supplicate, solicit. 6. plead.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for importune

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • I importune the Supreme Council for a post, a crust of bread, a home!

    Casanova's Homecoming

    Arthur Schnitzler

  • Are these matters wherewith to importune a stranger—a guest?

    The Lion's Skin

    Rafael Sabatini

  • I must obey you at the city gate; but I will importune you here.

    The Hour and the Man

    Harriet Martineau

  • No use to importune her to act against her instincts—not a bit of use!

    Beyond

    John Galsworthy

  • Though Jupiter should grant his request to each, we should continue to importune him.

    Pearls of Thought

    Maturin M. Ballou

British Dictionary definitions for importune

importune

verb (tr)
  1. to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
  2. to beg for persistently; request with insistence
  3. obsolete
    1. to anger or annoy
    2. to force; impel
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Derived Formsimportuner, nounimportunity or importunacy, noun

Word Origin

C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in- 1 + -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune
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

Word Origin and History for importune

v.

1520s, back-formation from importunity, or else from Middle French importuner, from Medieval Latin importunari "to make oneself troublesome," from Latin importunus "unfit, troublesome," originally "having no harbor" (i.e. "difficult to access"), from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + portus "harbor" (see port (n.1)). Related: Importuned; importuning. As an adjective from early 15c.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper