solicit
solicit Lexical Profile
solicit Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To ask for or try to obtain something (such as money, information, support, or business) from someone.
"The nonprofit organization is planning a campaign to solicit donations from local businesses."
To approach someone with a request or plea for patronage, votes, or financial contributions.
"A sign on the office door clearly stated that salespeople were not allowed to solicit on the premises."
To accost someone and offer one's or another's services as a prostitute, or to incite someone to commit an unlawful act.
"The defendant was charged with attempting to solicit an undercover officer."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used intransitively without a direct object (especially in legal or policing contexts), 'solicit' often refers specifically to offering sexual services for money or panhandling, whereas the transitive use ('solicit feedback', 'solicit donations') is formal and neutral.
• Rhymes for solicit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English soliciten, borrowed from Old French soliciter and Latin sollicitare ('to agitate, disturb, or entreat'), derived from sollicitus ('anxious, thoroughly moved'), combining sollus ('whole, entire') and citus ('aroused, set in motion').