verb

entreat

ihn-TREET

Entreat (verb) means to ask someone earnestly or beg them for something. Example: “She entreated the judge for mercy.”

verb

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

entreated past tense, entreat plural, entreated plural, entreats plural, entreats singular, entreat singular, entreated singular, entreatest singular, entreatedst singular, entreateth singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “entreat” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for entreat

eat meat feat beat peat heat seat teat neat pleat sweat wheat

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.