importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]

/ ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən /

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See synonyms for importune on Thesaurus.com

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

to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.

to make improper advances toward (a person).

to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.

Obsolete. to annoy.

Obsolete. to press; impel.

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR importune

1, 3 beseech, entreat, implore, supplicate, solicit.

6 plead.

See synonyms for importune on Thesaurus.com

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of importune

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

OTHER WORDS FROM importune

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. 2023

How to use importune in a sentence

The paper's CEO was importuning her to commit to "some more years" as executive editor just 12 days before she was dismissed.
The Hypocrisy Behind The New York Times’s Abrupt Decapitation of Jill Abramson|Robert Shrum|May 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
No, Sir, said the other, nothing at all except the enjoyment of your good company: and so gave over importuning him.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe
If you are incapable of helping yourself, at least have sense enough to refrain from importuning those who are working for you.
File No. 113|Emile Gaboriau
In most instances, as soon as it was known that we had books, our tent was surrounded by persons importuning for them.
Letters from Palestine|J. D. Paxton

A certain wealthy Jew had been importuning her for years to get a divorce in order that he might marry her.
The "Genius"|Theodore Dreiser
A well-filled purse jingled in his pocket and now and then he tossed a silver coin to some importuning Indian along the road.
Port O' Gold|Louis John Stellman

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

to anger or annoy
to force; impel

Derived forms of importune

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

importune

OTHER WORDS FOR importune

Origin of importune

OTHER WORDS FROM importune

Words related to importune

How to use importune in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for importune

Derived forms of importune

Word Origin for importune