petition

Pluralpetitions

Formspetitions, petitioning, petitioned

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A written request signed by many people, asking those in charge to fix a problem or grant something.

   Like a letter that many people sign together to ask for a change.

   The neighbors wrote a petition to stop the new road.

   Thousands of people signed the petition outside the town hall.

   Similarappeal, request, plea, entreaty

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To formally ask a leader or government, in writing, to do something or fix a problem.

   Like officially asking someone in charge to make a change.

   The workers petitioned the mayor for safer conditions.

   They plan to petition the school board next week.

   Similarappeal, ask, request, lobby, entreat

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A formal written request to a court, asking a judge for an order or a divorce.

   Like an official form you give a judge to start a case.

   She filed a petition for divorce after years of separation.

   The lawyer prepared a petition asking the court for custody.

   Similarapplication, motion, suit

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   A humble prayer or request made to God, a ruler, or someone in power.

   Like quietly asking God or a king for help.

   She whispered a petition for her sick mother's recovery.

   The congregation joined in a petition for peace.

   Similarprayer, plea, supplication, entreaty

   Note

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