Petition

/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to an authority regarding a particular cause.

The community submitted a petition to the local government to preserve the historic park.

A legal document requesting a court to take a specific action.

The lawyer filed a petition for a restraining order on behalf of her client.

verb

To make a formal request to an authority.

They decided to petition the school board for a longer recess.

To appeal to someone in authority or a higher power.

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.

Get the ball rolling

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

Hit the streets

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