definitions

importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]
/ ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR importune ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

verb (used without object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

to make urgent or persistent solicitations.
to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

importunate.

RELATED WORDS

beset, press, crave, persuade, plead, hound, badger, sell, nag, pray, pester, implore, solicit, appeal, urge, invoke, besiege, plague, ask, beseech

Nearby words

importation, imported currantworm, importee, importunacy, importunate, importune, importunity, impose, impose on, imposing, imposing stone

Origin of importune

1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; see im-2, opportune

Related forms

im·por·tune·ly, adverbim·por·tun·er, nounun·im·por·tuned, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for importune

British Dictionary definitions for importune

importune

/ (ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn) /

verb (tr)

to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
to beg for persistently; request with insistence
obsolete
  1. to anger or annoy
  2. to force; impel

Derived Forms

importuner, nounimportunity or importunacy, noun

Word Origin for importune

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