solicit

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English

Etymology

From Middle English soliciten, solliciten, from Old French soliciter, 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

  • enPR: sə-lĭs'ĭt
  • IPA(key): /səˈlɪsɪt/
  • (file)
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪsɪt

Verb

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

  1. To persistently endeavor to obtain an object, or bring about an event.
    to solicit alms, or a favour
    • (Can we date this quote by Alexander Pope and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      I view my crime, but kindle at the view, / Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.
      Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?
  2. To woo; to court.
  3. To persuade or incite one to commit some act, especially illegal or sexual behavior.
    • (Can we date this quote by John Milton and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      That fruit [] solicited her longing eye.
    • (Can we date this quote by John Locke and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
    If you want to lose your virginity, you should try to solicit some fine looking women.
  4. To offer to perform sexual activity, especially when for a payment.
    My girlfriend tried to solicit me for sex, but I was tired.
  5. To make a petition.
  6. (archaic) To disturb or trouble; to harass.
  7. To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
    • (Can we date this quote by Ford and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      Should / My brother henceforth study to forget / The vow that he hath made thee, I would ever / Solicit thy deserts.
  8. (obsolete, rare) To disturb; to disquiet.
    • (Can we date this quote by Chapman and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      Hath any ill solicited thine ears?
    • (Can we date this quote by Dryden and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)
      But anxious fears solicit my weak breast.

Synonyms

Related terms

Translations

Further reading

Noun

solicit

  1. (archaic) solicitation

Anagrams