Dictionary

1importune

adjective im·por·tune \ˌim-pər-ˈtün, -ˈtyün; im-ˈpr-ˌ, -chən\

Definition of IMPORTUNE

im·por·tune·ly adverb
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Origin of IMPORTUNE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French importun, from Latin importunus, from in- + -portunus (as in opportunus fit) — more at opportune
First Known Use: 15th century

2importune

verb

: to ask (someone) for something or to do something in a repeated or annoying way

importunedimportun·ing

Full Definition of IMPORTUNE

transitive verb
1
a :  to press or urge with troublesome persistence
b archaic :  to request or beg for urgently
2
:  annoy, trouble
intransitive verb
:  to beg, urge, or solicit persistently or troublesomely
im·por·tun·er noun

First Known Use of IMPORTUNE

1530

Synonym Discussion of IMPORTUNE

beg, entreat, beseech, implore, supplicate, adjure, importune mean to ask urgently. beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking <they begged for help>. entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance <entreated me to join them>. beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety <I beseech you to have mercy> <implored her not to leave>. supplicate suggests a posture of humility <with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord>. adjure implies advising as well as pleading <we were adjured to tell the truth>. importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance <importuning viewers for donations>.
IMPORTUNED Defined for Kids

importune

verb im·por·tune \ˌim-pər-ˈtün, -ˈtyün\
im·por·tunedim·por·tun·ing

Definition of IMPORTUNE for Kids

:  to beg or urge in a repeated or annoying way <Salesmen importuned us to buy.>

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