plead

verb

SayPLEED/plid/UK/pliːd/

Formspleads, pleading, pleaded

4 meanings of plead

1
verbintransitive
To ask for something in a strong, emotional way.
Like a child begging and begging to be allowed to stay up late.
She began to plead with her parents to let her stay.
He pleaded for help as the water rose around him.
Similarbeg, ask, appeal, request, entreat
Note
2
verbtransitive or intransitive
To argue a case in court, or to state whether you are guilty.
Like standing up and telling your side of the story to a judge.
The lawyer pleaded the case before a packed courtroom.
She chose to plead not guilty at the hearing.
Similarargue, present, advocate
Note
3
verbtransitive
To give something as a reason or excuse for what you did.
Like saying you were sick so you don't get in trouble for missing school.
He pleaded illness to avoid the meeting.
She can plead ignorance, but everyone saw what happened.
Similarclaim, allege, maintain
Note
4
verbtransitive
To talk through a matter by giving reasons on each side.
The committee pleaded the question for hours without reaching agreement.
They will plead the issue at length before voting.
Similarargue, debate, discuss, dispute

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old French plaider, meaning to plead, which traces back to Latin words tied to placere, to please.