Beg

/bɛg/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To ask earnestly or humbly for something.

He had to beg for mercy after his mistake.

To request something in an urgent or pleading manner.

She begged him to stay just a little longer.

To make a request or entreaty, often implying a sense of desperation.

The child begged his parents for a puppy.

To live by asking others for food or money.

After losing everything, he was forced to beg on the streets.

To avoid or evade; often used in the phrase 'to beg the question'.

His argument seemed to beg the question of whether it was actually effective.

Middle English "beggen", possibly from Old Norse "beggja".

beg the question:

To raise a point that assumes a conclusion.

beggars can't be choosers:

Those in need must accept what is offered without complaints.

beg off:

To request to be excused from an obligation.

To ask someone repeatedly for something.

He keeps begging for a second chance.

To insist on getting something you want.

Stop begging for attention!