supplicate

American  

[suhp-li-keyt] / ˈsʌp lɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object)

supplicated, supplicating

1. to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition.

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verb (used with object)

supplicated, supplicating

1. to pray humbly to; entreat or petition humbly.

   Synonyms:

   beseech, solicit, crave, implore

2. to seek or ask for by humble entreaty.

supplicate British  

/ ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to make a humble request to (someone); plead

2. (tr) to ask for or seek humbly

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Related Words

See appeal.

Other Word Forms

• nonsupplicating adjective
• presupplicate verb (used with object)
• supplicatingly adverb
• supplicatory adjective
• unsupplicated adjective
• unsupplicating adjective
• unsupplicatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of supplicate

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin supplicātus “knelt,” past participle of supplicāre “to kneel,” from supplic-, stem of supplex “submissive, suppliant” ( supple ) + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

Namo Buddha, I supplicate the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times and ten directions to bestow Their blessings upon Your Majesties.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2023

“All the statements from Kirill are constantly, ‘Let’s do things peacefully, lets pray and supplicate.’

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2022

And if it would help to fall at her feet and supplicate myself, I would.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2019

To restore their good standing, executives must supplicate, with minimal guidance from the party-state.

From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2019

His way of courtship is to come to the parents, and his nearest friends and relations must make her father presents, and supplicate him like a king, to grant him his daughter.

From The History of the Life and Adventures of Mr. Duncan Campell A Gentlen, who, tho' Deaf and Dumb, Writes down any Stranger's name at first Sight; by Defoe, Daniel