verb
entreat
ihn-TREET
Entreat (verb) means to ask someone earnestly or beg them for something. Example: “She entreated the judge for mercy.”
verb
1
To ask someone earnestly or beg them for something.
"She entreated the judge for mercy."
"He entreated his brother to stay just one more night."
How to use entreat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo beg or plead with someone, usually sincerely and with feeling.
When to use it
A fairly formal or literary word; "beg" or "plead" is more common in everyday speech.
Common pairings
entreat someone to
entreat for mercy
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Word forms
- Plural
- entreats
- Third person singular
- entreats
- Past tense
- entreated
- Archaic forms
- entreatest, entreatedst, entreateth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the judge for mercy.
Etymology
From Old French entraitier, built from "en-" plus traitier, "to treat, deal with," from Latin tractare.
Related words
Rhymes for entreat
See all rhymes for entreat →Frequently asked questions
What does “entreat” mean?
The word “entreat” means to ask someone earnestly or beg them for something. In plain terms, to beg or plead with someone, usually sincerely and with feeling.
How do you pronounce “entreat”?
“Entreat” is pronounced ihn-TREET (/ɪnˈtɹit/ in IPA).
How do you use “entreat” in a sentence?
Here is “entreat” used in a sentence: “She entreated the judge for mercy.”
What part of speech is “entreat”?
“Entreat” is a verb.
Where does the word “entreat” come from?
The word “entreat” comes from Latin. From Old French entraitier, built from "en-" plus traitier, "to treat, deal with," from Latin tractare.
