solicit

English [edit]

WOTD – 9 June 2006

Etymology [edit]

From Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitāre, present active participle of sollicitō (“stir, disturb; look after”), from sollicitus (“agitated, anxious, punctilious”, literally “thoroughly moved”), from sollus (“whole, entire”) + perfect passive participle of cieō (“shake, excite, cite, to put in motion”).

Pronunciation [edit]

Verb [edit]

solicit (third-person singular simple present solicits, present participle soliciting, simple past and past participle solicited)

To persistently endeavor to obtain an object, or bring about an event.

to solicit alms, or a favour
- Alexander Pope
  
  I view my crime, but kindle at the view, / Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.
  
  Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?
To woo; to court.
To persuade or incite one to commit some act, especially illegal or sexual behavior.
- Milton
  
  That fruit […] solicited her longing eye.
- Locke
  
  Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
To offer to perform sexual activity, especially when for a payment.
To make a petition.
(archaic) To disturb or trouble; to harass.
To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
- Ford
  
  Should / My brother henceforth study to forget / The vow that he hath made thee, I would ever / Solicit thy deserts.
(obsolete, rare) To disturb; to disquiet.
- Chapman
  
  Hath any ill solicited thine ears?
- Dryden
  
  But anxious fears solicit my weak breast.