supplicate

[ suhp-li-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, sup·pli·cat·ed, sup·pli·cat·ing.

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

verb (used with object)

, sup·pli·cat·ed, sup·pli·cat·ing.

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

   Synonyms: beseech, solicit, crave, implore

2. to seek or ask for by humble entreaty.

supplicate

/ ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to make a humble request to (someone); plead
2. tr to ask for or seek humbly

Derived Forms

• ˈsuppliˌcatory, adjective

Other Words From

• suppli·cating·ly adverb
• sup·pli·ca·to·ry [suhp, -li-k, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• non·suppli·cating adjective
• pre·suppli·cate verb (used with object) presupplicated presupplicating
• un·suppli·cated adjective
• un·suppli·cating adjective
• un·suppli·cating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplicate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplicate¹

C15: from Latin supplicāre to beg on one's knees; see supple

Synonym Study

See appeal.

Example Sentences

It is better for him to supplicate God to change his heart, than to insult him by promising to do what he is unwilling to perform.

From Project Gutenberg

Andrea might writhe and supplicate and despair as he would—in vain.

From Project Gutenberg

When a mortal, she had no children by her husband, which caused her to supplicate the gods to give her offspring.

From Project Gutenberg

Did not those eyes he had blessed with vision, with tears supplicate compassion for their benefactor?

From Project Gutenberg

All those who supplicate in this very average court practise it to a more or less degree.

From Project Gutenberg