First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
solicit
verb so·lic·it \sə-ˈli-sət\
: to ask for (something, such as money or help) from people, companies, etc.
: to ask (a person or group) for money, help, etc.
: to offer to have sex with (someone) in return for money
Full Definition of SOLICIT
transitive verb
1
a : to make petition to : entreat b : to approach with a request or plea <solicited Congress for funding>
2
: to urge (as one's cause) strongly
3
a : to entice or lure especially into evil b : to proposition (someone) especially as or in the character of a prostitute
4
: to try to obtain by usually urgent requests or pleas <solicited donations>
intransitive verb
1
: to make solicitation : importune
2
of a prostitute : to offer to have sexual relations with someone for money
See solicit defined for English-language learners
See solicit defined for kids
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Origin of SOLICIT
Synonym Discussion of SOLICIT
ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. question usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
SOLICITING Defined for Kids
solicit
verb so·lic·it \sə-ˈli-sət\
so·lic·it·edso·lic·it·ing
Definition of SOLICIT for Kids
1
: to come to with a request or plea <We solicited local businesses for donations.>
2
: to try to get by asking or pleading <They solicited the help of their neighbors.>
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