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
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Origin of SOLICIT

Middle English, to disturb, promote, from Anglo-French solliciter, from Latin sollicitare to disturb, from sollicitus anxious, from sollus whole (from Oscan; akin to Greek holos whole) + citus, past participle of ciēre to move — more at safe, -kinesis
First Known Use: 15th century

Related to 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>.

Rhymes with SOLICIT

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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Next Word in the Dictionary: solicitantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: soliAll Words Near: solicit
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