expostulate

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Verb 1.2.1 Synonyms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

First attested circa 16th century, from Latin expostulatus, past participle of expostulare, "to demand or claim," from ex- + postulare, "to demand."

[edit] Verb

to expostulate (third-person singular simple present expostulates, present participle expostulating, simple past and past participle expostulated)

1. To protest or remonstrate.
   • 1719, Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

     The tears would run plentifully down my face when I made these reflections; and sometimes I would expostulate with myself why Providence should thus completely ruin His creatures, and render them so absolutely miserable; so without help, abandoned, so entirely depressed, that it could hardly be rational to be thankful for such a life.

[edit] Synonyms

• challenge
• demur
• except
• inveigh
• kick
• object
• protest
• remonstrate
• squawk