request

American  

[ri-kwest] / rɪˈkwɛst /

noun

1. the act of asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy; solicitation or petition.

   At his request, they left.

   Synonyms:

   prayer, supplication, entreaty

2. an instance of this.

   There have been many requests for the product.

3. a written statement of petition.

   If you need supplies, send in a request.

4. something asked for.

   to obtain one's request.

5. the state of being asked for; demand.

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verb (used with object)

1. to ask for, especially politely or formally.

   He requested permission to speak.

   Synonyms:

   supplicate, petition

2. to ask or beg; bid (usually followed by a clause or an infinitive).

   to request that he leave;

   to request to be excused.

3. to ask or beg (someone) to do something.

   He requested me to go.

   Synonyms:

   beseech, entreat

idioms

1. by request, in response or accession to a request.

   The orchestra played numbers by request.

request British  

/ rɪˈkwɛst /

verb

1. to express a desire for, esp politely; ask for or demand

   to request a bottle of wine

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noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of requesting, esp in the form of a written statement; petition or solicitation

      a request for a song

   2. ( as modifier )

      a request programme

2. in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)

3. in accordance with someone's desire

4. in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

request More Idioms  

1. see at someone's request; by request; on request.

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Related Words

See beg ¹.

Other Word Forms

• prerequest noun
• requester noun
• unrequested adjective

Etymology

Origin of request

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English requeste (noun), from Old French, from Vulgar Latin requaesita (unrecorded) “things asked for,” noun use of neuter plural past participle of requaerere (unrecorded) “to seek” (literary Latin requīrere require ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

But he promoted the marketing executive at Freixe’s request, catching the attention of other senior managers because of her relative inexperience.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several judges have issued rulings that blocked or limited the government’s requests.

From The Wall Street Journal

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

The civil servant said they believed the request should be refused, but said due to its significance it should be raised with the relevant minister.

From BBC

But a spokesman for the Munich fire service told AFP the "installation was removed" on Sunday at the request of city authorities.

From Barron's

Related Words

• appeal
• application
• call
• demand
• desire
• inquiry
• invitation
• offer
• suit