Definition

To entreat means to earnestly request or plead with someone to do something or to refrain from doing something.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Verb

Synonyms

Beseech, implore, beg, plead, appeal, petition, solicit, urge, impetrate, importune

Antonyms

Refuse, reject, dissuade, deter, ignore

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun None
Verb entreat
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • With tears in her eyes, she entreated the judge to show mercy and spare her brother from a harsh sentence, pleading for a second chance at redemption.

  • The weary traveler stumbled upon a humble cottage and entreated the kind-hearted homeowner for a warm meal and a place to rest for the night.

  • The desperate mother entreated the doctors to do everything in their power to save her child’s life, hoping for a miracle to overcome the dire prognosis.

  • In his final moments, the dying man weakly entreated his loved ones to carry on his legacy of kindness and compassion, urging them to make the world a better place.

Usage

Entreat is a verb that is often used in situations where someone is making a plea or appeal to someone else. It is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned word that connotes a sense of urgency or desperation. It is often used in literature and historical texts to describe dramatic or emotional situations.

The word “entreat” can be used with various prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “entreating,” which means to plead or request again or repeatedly. The suffix “-y” can be added to create “entreaty,” which refers to a plea or request made by someone.

Entreat can also be used in religious or spiritual contexts, particularly in the phrase “I entreat thee,” which is often used in prayers or petitions. In this sense, it carries a sense of reverence and humility, and is used to show respect and deference to a higher power.

In summary, entreat is a verb that is used to describe earnest requests or pleas made to someone. It is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned word that is often used in dramatic or emotional situations. Entreat can also be used with prefixes and suffixes to create related words that carry different connotations and meanings.