solicit

Definition

To persistently endeavor to obtain an object, or bring about an event.

Etymology

From Middle English soliciten, solliciten, from Old French soliciter, solliciter, borrowed from Latin sollicitō (“stir, disturb; look after”), from sollicitus (“agitated, anxious, punctilious”, literally “thoroughly moved”), from sollus (“whole, entire”) + perfect passive participle of cieō (“shake, excite, cite, to put in motion”).

Example Sentences

• "to solicit alms, or a favour"
• "I view my crime, but kindle at the view, Repent old pleasures, and solicit new. Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?"
• "American railroads are not permitted to operate long-haul road routes, but the I.C.C. decision of 1954 did permit them to solicit trailer business in, say, New York for Chicago provided the trailer was piggybacked in between."

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