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Definition of behest

behest

/bɪˈhɛst/
be · hest
Plural:behests
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behest Lexical Profile

behest Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An authoritative order, command, or urgent prompting.

Example

"The committee convened an emergency meeting at the behest of the board director."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for behest
Antonyms
View all antonyms for behest

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern English, 'behest' is almost exclusively used in the prepositional phrase 'at the behest of' or 'at someone's behest' to indicate that an action was taken at someone's urgent request or command.

• Rhymes for behest

• Nearby Words

behaviorally
behead
behemoth
behest
behind
behold
beholden

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English behæs, meaning a promise or vow, related to hatan ('to command or call'); the final '-t' was added in Middle English by association with words like 'quest' and 'request'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Behest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/behest
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