Meaning & Definition of word "Petition"

Petition

/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/

1. A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to an authority regarding a particular cause.
- Example: The community submitted a petition to the local government to preserve the historic park.
2. A legal document requesting a court to take a specific action.
- Example: The lawyer filed a petition for a restraining order on behalf of her client.

1. To make a formal request to an authority.
- Example: They decided to petition the school board for a longer recess.
2. To appeal to someone in authority or a higher power.
- Example: She petitioned her local representatives for support on environmental issues.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'peticion', from Latin 'petitionem' (nominative 'petitio'), from 'petere' meaning ‘to seek, ask, or request’.

file a petition:

to formally submit a request to a court or authority.

petition drive:

an organized effort to gather signatures for a petition.

petition for something:

to formally ask for something through a petition.

appeal:

a serious or urgent request, typically one made to someone in authority.

request:

an act of asking politely or formally for something.

protest:

a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.

Meaning: Get the ball rolling

Example Sentence: We need to get the ball rolling on this petition before the deadline.

Meaning: Hit the streets

Example Sentence: We’re going to hit the streets this weekend to gather signatures for the petition.