Definition

To beg or plead urgently and earnestly with someone to do something or for something.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

Verb

Synonyms

Beg, beseech, entreat, plead, appeal

Antonyms

Refuse, deny, reject, discourage

Example sentences

  • The mother implored the doctor to do everything possible to save her child’s life.
  • The homeless man implored passersby for spare change to buy food.
  • The student implored the teacher to give him extra time to complete the assignment.
  • The activists implored the government to take action on climate change before it’s too late.

Usage

The word “implore” is a verb that conveys a strong sense of urgency and desperation. It is often used in situations where someone is begging or pleading with another person to do something or for something. The word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and its synonyms are often interchangeable with it.

The word “implore” comes from the Latin “implorare,” which means to weep or wail for mercy. Its prefix “im-” means “in” or “into,” while the root word “plorare” means “to cry out.” Together, the word implies a sense of desperation and pleading that one might experience when crying out for mercy.

There are variations of “implore” that can be used to modify or intensify its meaning. The prefix “ex-” can be added to “implore” to create “exhort,” which means to strongly urge or encourage someone to do something. For example, “The coach exhorted his team to give their best performance."

The word “imploration” can also be used as a noun to describe the act of begging or pleading with someone urgently and earnestly. For example, “Her imploration for help went unheard, and she was forced to fend for herself."

Overall, the word “implore” is a strong and emotional verb that conveys a sense of desperation and urgency. Its variations can add nuance to its meaning and can be used to describe situations where someone is begging or pleading with someone else, whether it’s for help, mercy, or action