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

“These guys have themselves publicly admitted to participating in what very much appears to be soliciting, trafficking, preying upon women around the world,” he said at the time.

Read more on Salon

It says it has identified two LinkedIn profiles used by Chinese security services to act as "civilian recruitment headhunters", targeting individuals working in British politics to solicit "insider insights".

Read more on BBC

The trustees have begun to solicit donations to help pay expenses, with mixed success.

Read more on Literature

The Civil Guard said the shelter was organised by an NGO that solicited donations on social networks to care for the animals.

Read more on Barron's

Bill is working with a financial advisor to solicit interest from both industry peers and private-equity firms, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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