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View synonyms for

petition

[puh-tish-uhn]

noun

  1. a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit.

    a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law.

    Synonyms:
  2. a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer.

    a petition for aid; a petition to God for courage and strength.

    Synonyms: , ,
  3. something that is sought by request or entreaty.

    to receive one's full petition.

  4. Law.an application for a court order or for some judicial action.



verb (used with object)

  1. to beg for or request (something).

  2. to address a formal petition to (a sovereign, a legislative body, etc.).

    He received everything for which he had petitioned the king.

  3. to ask by petition for (something).

verb (used without object)

  1. to present a petition.

  2. to address or present a formal petition.

    Synonyms: ,
  3. to request or solicit, as by a petition.

    to petition for redress of grievances.

petition

/ ɪˈɪʃə /

noun

  1. a written document signed by a large number of people demanding some form of action from a government or other authority

  2. any formal request to a higher authority or deity; entreaty

  3. law a formal application in writing made to a court asking for some specific judicial action

    a petition for divorce

  4. the action of petitioning

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to address or present a petition to (a person in authority, government, etc)

    to petition Parliament

  2. to seek by petition

    to petition for a change in the law

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • petitionable adjective
  • petitioner noun
  • petitionist noun
  • counterpetition noun
  • prepetition noun
  • re-petition verb (used with object)
  • unpetitioned adjective
  • ˈپپDzԲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of petition1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English peticioun, from Middle French peticion, from Latin īپō-, stem of īپō “an attack, request,” from ī(ܲ) “assaulted, sought” (past participle of petere “to assault, head for, seek”) + -ion
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Word History and Origins

Origin of petition1

C14: from Latin īپō, from petere to seek
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Synonym Study

See appeal.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Court of Session ruled to refuse the petition on Friday.

From

“Knowingly making false statements about a ballot measure petition is a misdemeanor, but even more importantly, it undermines the integrity of our electoral process.”

From

She has now launched a petition, backed by cross-party councillors and a local MP, calling for families of young people who raise safeguarding issues to be more effectively supported.

From

They collected over 6,200 signatures from registered voters in just over a week and certified the petition in early May.

From

California and three other states petitioned the U.S.

From

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