canvass

noun

/ˈkænvəs/

[usually singular]

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the process of going around an area and talking to people, especially to ask for support for a particular person, political party, etc. Topics Politicsc2
the process of asking people what they think about a particular subject
- to carry out a canvass of opinions

canvass

verb

/ˈkænvəs/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they canvass	/ˈkænvəs/ /ˈkænvəs/
he / she / it canvasses	/ˈkænvəsɪz/ /ˈkænvəsɪz/
past simple canvassed	/ˈkænvəst/ /ˈkænvəst/
past participle canvassed	/ˈkænvəst/ /ˈkænvəst/
-ing form canvassing	/ˈkænvəsɪŋ/ /ˈkænvəsɪŋ/

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[intransitive, transitive] to ask people to support a particular person, political party, etc., either by going around an area and talking to people or by phoning them
- canvass (for something) He spent the whole month canvassing for votes.
- canvass somebody (for something) Party workers are busy canvassing local residents.
Topics Politicsc2
[transitive] to ask people about something in order to find out what they think about it
- canvass something He has been canvassing opinion on the issue.
- canvass somebody (for something) People are being canvassed for their views on the proposed new road.
[transitive] canvass support to try and get support from a group of people synonym drum up
[transitive] canvass something to discuss an idea carefully and completely
- The proposal is currently being canvassed.

Word Originearly 16th cent. (‘toss in a canvas sheet’ (in the sense as a sport or punishment)): from canvas. Later extended senses include ‘criticize, discuss’ (mid 16th cent.) and ‘propose for discussion’; hence ‘seek support for’.