(usu + for) to make an impassioned or earnest request or appeal for something

He pleaded for mercy

(usu + with) to make an impassioned or earnest request or appeal to somebody

I'm pleading with you not to go

to give or offer (a specified condition) as an excuse or reason

to plead ignorance

Plead ignorance and you might get off with a warning

of an accused person in a court of law: to answer an accusation in a specified way

She pleaded not guilty

said of a lawyer: to argue (a case) on behalf of an accused party

said of an accused person: to put forward (a reason) or invoke (a point of law), esp as a form of defence

She pleaded it was done in self-defence