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importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]
/ ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən /
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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
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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

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 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
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