supplication

American  

[suhp-li-key-shuhn] / ˌsʌp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of supplicating; humble prayer, entreaty, or petition.

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supplication British  

/ ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of supplicating

2. a humble entreaty or petition; prayer

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Other Word Forms

• nonsupplication noun
• presupplication noun

Etymology

Origin of supplication

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplicātiōn-, stem of supplicātiō; equivalent to supplicate + -ion

Example Sentences

He would wear the appropriate religious attire for each setting, sometimes knelt in supplication and on occasion was moved to tears by sermons.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

“Two hundred years ago, the Congress of the United States issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation stating that it was ‘the indispensable duty of all nations’ to offer both praise and supplication to God.

From Washington Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Unlike the bulk of Jewish worship, which must be done in public, tehillim are prayers most commonly whispered alone, in private supplication.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2023

Pilgrims raised their hands in supplication, took selfies or video, and phoned their relatives as they performed the tawaf.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 24, 2023

She clasped her hands in supplication to the heavens; she presented her wrists crossed, as if manacled.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson