ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Plead

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /pliːd/ · Part of speech verb

Quick meaning: Plead is a verb meaning (ambitransitive, copulative) To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.

Meaning

(ambitransitive, copulative) To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.

More Meanings

  1. (intransitive) To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
  2. (transitive) To offer by way of excuse.
  3. (transitive) To discuss by arguments.

Example Sentences

He was pleading for mercy.
He pleaded with me not to leave the house.
The defendant has decided to plead not guilty.
Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness.

Word Forms

Synonyms for plead

Depending on context, synonyms include appeal, ask, beg, request, entreat, allege.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include beseeching, imploring, appealing, importunate, litigate, sue.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.