petition

[puh-tish-uhn]

noun

1. a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit.

   a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law.

   Synonyms: suit

2. a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer.

   a petition for aid; a petition to God for courage and strength.

   Synonyms: appeal, solicitation, entreaty

3. something that is sought by request or entreaty.

   to receive one's full petition.

4. Law.,  an application for a court order or for some judicial action.

verb (used with object)

1. to beg for or request (something).

2. to address a formal petition to (a sovereign, a legislative body, etc.).

   He received everything for which he had petitioned the king.

3. to ask by petition for (something).

verb (used without object)

1. to present a petition.

2. to address or present a formal petition.

   Synonyms: sue, solicit

3. to request or solicit, as by a petition.

   to petition for redress of grievances.

petition

/ pɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. a written document signed by a large number of people demanding some form of action from a government or other authority

2. any formal request to a higher authority or deity; entreaty

3. law a formal application in writing made to a court asking for some specific judicial action

   a petition for divorce

4. the action of petitioning

verb

1. (tr) to address or present a petition to (a person in authority, government, etc)

   to petition Parliament

2. to seek by petition

   to petition for a change in the law

Other Word Forms

• petitionable adjective
• petitioner noun
• petitionist noun
• counterpetition noun
• prepetition noun
• re-petition verb (used with object)
• unpetitioned adjective
• petitionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petition¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English peticioun, from Middle French peticion, from Latin petītiōn-, stem of petītiō “an attack, request,” from petīt(us) “assaulted, sought” (past participle of petere “to assault, head for, seek”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of petition¹

C14: from Latin petītiō, from petere to seek

Synonym Study

See appeal.

Example Sentences

An online petition dubbed the fee a "memory tax", with commenters calling it "dystopian" and "ridiculous" - while one person threatened never to use the app again.

From BBC

Samuel Merritt University, a private nonprofit university in Oakland, petitioned the state board to add 72 seats to the nursing program at its Sacramento campus.

From Los Angeles Times

Once a group signs up 30% of active drivers, they could petition the board for union certification.

From Los Angeles Times

The effort to remove Solomon started over the summer and teachers are sharing petitions at schools.

From Los Angeles Times

I believe the information is of such vital public importance that we filed suit and petitioned for expedited service.

From Salon

Related Words

• ask 
• beg 
• beseech 
• call upon 
• implore 
• pray 
• seek 
• sue 
• urge