Search results
- Dictionaryimportuning/ˌɪmpəˈtjuːnɪŋ/
noun
- 1. persistent harassment of someone for or to do something: "he had quit smoking, giving in finally to his wife's importuning"
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
Importune is a verb that means to ask urgently or to annoy by persistent solicitation. It can also be an adjective that describes something troublesome or unfavorable. Learn more about its synonyms, examples, and history.
verb [ T ] formal uk / ˌɪm.pɔːˈtʃuːn / us / ˌɪm.pɔːrˈtuːn /. to make repeated, forceful requests for something, usually in a way that is annoying or causing slight problems: be importuned for As a tourist, you are importuned for money the moment you step outside your hotel.
1. To make an earnest request of (someone), especially insistently or repeatedly: "A dozen reporters importuned every passing ambassador to speak to them"(Felicity Barringer). 2. Archaic. a. To ask for (something) urgently or repeatedly. b. To annoy; vex. v.intr. To plead or urge irksomely, often persistently. adj.Archaic. Importunate.
Importuning is the present participle of importune, which means to make repeated, forceful requests for something, usually in a way that is annoying or causing slight problems. Learn more about the meaning, usage and synonyms of importuning with Cambridge Dictionary.
verb. If someone importunes another person, they ask them for something or ask them to do something, in an annoying way. [formal, disapproval] One can no longer walk the streets without seeing beggars importuning passers-by. [VERB noun] Synonyms: pester, press, plague, hound More Synonyms of importune.
verb (used with object) , im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing. to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence. Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, implore, entreat, beseech. to make improper advances toward (a person). to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.
Someone who importunes another person may be seeking a favor, asking for money, or attempting to persuade them to do something they are hesitant or unwilling to do. Importuning can range from polite requests to aggressive demands, and it is often considered a form of harassment when the person being asked feels pressured or uncomfortable.
