noun
behest
bih-HEHST
noun
1
A command or authoritative request, especially in the phrase "at the behest of."
"The new policy was introduced at the behest of the board."
How to Use Behest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn order or request from someone in authority.
When to use it
Formal; mostly seen in the fixed phrase "at the behest of."
Common pairings
at the behest of
Word Forms
behested past tense, behests plural, behests singular
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The new policy was introduced at the _____ of the board.
Etymology
From Old English behǣs ("vow, promise"), which merged in meaning over time with the sense of a command or order.