solicit

[suh-lis-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc..

   He solicited aid from the minister.

2. to entreat or petition (someone or some agency).

   to solicit the committee for funds.

   Synonyms: beg, beseech

3. to seek to influence or incite to action, especially unlawful or wrong action.

   Synonyms: provoke, arouse, excite

4. to offer to have sex with in exchange for money.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a petition or request, as for something desired.

2. to solicit orders or trade, as for a business.

   No soliciting allowed in this building.

3. to offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money.

solicit

/ səˈlɪsɪt /

verb

1. to make a request, application, or entreaty to (a person for business, support, etc)

2. to accost (a person) with an offer of sexual relations in return for money

3. to provoke or incite (a person) to do something wrong or illegal

Other Word Forms

• presolicit verb (used with object)
• resolicit verb
• supersolicit verb
• solicitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English soliciten, from Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitāre “to excite, agitate,” derivative of sollicitus “troubled” ( soll(us) “whole” + -i- -i- + citus, past participle of ciēre “to arouse”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

C15: from Old French solliciter to disturb, from Latin sollicitāre to harass, from sollicitus agitated, from sollus whole + citus, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

He said, generally, the office can investigate when attorney misconduct is brought to its attention, and that California law prohibits attorneys from making payments, or causing others to make payments, to solicit clients.

From Los Angeles Times

California law bans a practice known as capping, in which non-attorneys directly solicit or procure clients to sign up for lawsuits with a law firm.

From Los Angeles Times

He later accused the group of using fraud to solicit donations from Missourians to bully advertisers out of pulling out of X, and demanded internal records and donor information under Missouri’s consumer protection law.

From Salon

To refine the price tag, the county Department of Public Works was soliciting bids for architectural and engineering design, project management and pre-construction services.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are pursuing all other options to keep the hospital solvent,” Wadelton said, including soliciting donations and hoping for state intervention.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ask 
• canvass 
• drum up 
• promote 
• require 
• seek