importune
/ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn
/verb [with object]
1Harass (someone) persistently for or to do something: she importuned a waiter for profiteroles...
- But a glimpse of the relationship can be found in the notes of a visitor, August Gottlieb Meissner, who was present when Mozart's friends importuned him to finish the overture to Don Giovanni.
- I understand that well-meaning people are sometimes importuned to write such letters on behalf of those who aren't in a position to respond themselves.
- Contrast that with the way that Columbus, living in a Europe of competing nations, could importune king after king until he hit on someone to back his voyage over the ocean.
Synonyms
beg, beseech, entreat, implore, plead with, appeal to, apply to, call on, supplicate, solicit, petition, enjoin;
harass, pester, beset, press, dun, badger, bother, torment, plague, hound, nag, harry, go on at, harp on at;
Northern English mither
informal hassle, bug
rare obsecrate
1.1 (usually as noun importuning) Approach (someone) to offer one’s services as a prostitute: they said they were arresting me for importuning...
- You are under arrest for importuning for immoral proposes.
Synonyms
solicit, make sexual advances, offer one's services as a prostitute;
accost, approach
informal proposition
North American informal hustle
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French importuner or medieval Latin importunari, from Latin importunus 'inconvenient, unseasonable' (see importunate).
Portunus, the name of the god who protected harbours (from portus ‘harbour’), lies behind this word. A lack of the safety and calm associated with his protection is found in this word and in inopportune ‘troublesome, bringing problems’.