importune
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Related to importune: recriminate
im·por·tune
(ĭm′pôr-to͞on′, -tyo͞on′, ĭm-pôr′chən)v. im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing, im·por·tunes
v.tr.
1. To make an earnest request of (someone), especially insistently or repeatedly: "A dozen reporters importuned every passing ambassador to speak to them" (Felicity Barringer).
2. Archaic
a. To ask for (something) urgently or repeatedly.
b. To annoy; vex.
v.intr.
To plead or urge irksomely, often persistently.
adj. Archaic
Importunate.
[French importuner, from Old French importun, inopportune, from Latin importūnus : in-, not; see in-1 + portus, port, refuge; see per- in Indo-European roots.]
im′por·tune′ly adv.
im′por·tun′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
importune
(ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn)vb (tr)
1. to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
2. to beg for persistently; request with insistence
3. obsolete
a. to anger or annoy
b. to force; impel
[C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in-1 + -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune]
imˈportuner n
ˌimporˈtunity, imˈportunacy n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
im•por•tune
(ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən)v. -tuned, -tun•ing,
adj. v.t.
1. to urge or press with excessive persistence.
2. to trouble; annoy.
3. Archaic. to beg for urgently or persistently.
v.i. 4. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.
adj. 5. importunate.
[1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless]
im`por•tune′ly, adv.
im`por•tun′er, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
importune
Past participle: importuned
Gerund: importuning
| Imperative |
|---|
| importune |
| importune |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Verb | 1. | importune - beg persistently and urgently; "I importune you to help them" besiege - harass, as with questions or requests; "The press photographers besieged the movie star" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
importune
verb (Formal) pester, press, plague, hound, harass, besiege, badger, beset, solicit, dun, lay siege to, entreat beggars importuning passers-by
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
importune
verbadjective
Firm or obstinate, as in making a demand or maintaining a stand:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
importune
[ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn] VT (frm) → importunar, perseguir (Jur) [prostitute] → abordar con fines inmoralesCollins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
importune
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995