solicitation
solicitation Lexical Profile
solicitation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone, such as business, political support, or charitable donations.
"The office building posted a sign at the front entrance prohibiting door-to-door solicitation."
A formal request or invitation issued by an organization to prospective suppliers to submit a bid or proposal for a contract.
"The government agency issued a public solicitation for contractors to modernize the transit system."
The criminal offense of encouraging, requesting, or commanding another person to commit a crime, or of offering or seeking sexual services in exchange for money.
"The prosecutor charged the defendant with criminal solicitation after uncovering messages attempting to hire an accomplice."
Word Nuance & Usage
While neutral in business and fundraising contexts (meaning an official request for bids or donations), in criminal law and everyday conversation 'solicitation' frequently carries the negative connotation of inciting a crime or offering prostitution.
• Rhymes for solicitation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French solicitation, from Latin sollicitationem, meaning 'an instigation, anxiety, or earnest disturbance', derived from sollicitare ('to agitate or disturb').