expostulate

English

Etymology

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

Verb

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.

   • 1843, Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present, book 2, ch. XI, The Abbot’s Ways

     […] he affectionately loved many persons to whom he never or hardly ever shewed a countenance of love. Once on my venturing to expostulate with him on the subject, he reminded me of Solomon: “Many sons I have; it is not fit that I should smile on them.”

Synonyms

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

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Latin

Verb

expostulāte

1. second-person plural present active imperative of expostulō