supplication

[suhp-li-key-shuhn]

noun

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

supplication

/ ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of supplicating

2. a humble entreaty or petition; prayer

Other Word Forms

• nonsupplication noun
• presupplication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplication¹

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

Example Sentences

A Cranach Eve or Botticelli Venus, she is stiffly erect, her hands and eyes raised as if in mesmerized supplication.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As has been seen in other countries whose democracies have collapsed to authoritarianism and fascism, such anticipatory obedience and other acts of surrender and supplication will, at best, offer only temporary and illusory safety.

Read more on Salon

If Trump decides tomorrow that he's displeased with Johnson's supplication, he can call for the end of Johnson's career, and congressional Republicans will immediately throw the speaker out.

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

Read more on BBC

In his characteristic manner, the judge mixed commendation, supplication and insinuation, mangling metaphors and whole sentences in service of cutting insights.

Read more on Los Angeles Times