Plead

/pliːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To make an emotional appeal or request.

She plead with her parents to let her stay out later.

To present and argue for a position in a court of law.

The lawyer will plead the case before the judge tomorrow.

To respond to a charge or claim in a court, typically as guilty or not guilty.

He decided to plead not guilty to the charges brought against him.

To say something in a pleading manner, often to beg.

He plead for forgiveness after his mistake.

Middle English, from plede, from Old French plaider, from Latin placitare 'to please, to resolve'.

plead the fifth

To refuse to answer a question in a legal setting on the grounds that it may incriminate oneself.

plead for mercy

To make a heartfelt appeal for forgiveness or relief from punishment.

plead one's case

To argue or present one's reasons or evidence in support of a claim.

plea

An emotional appeal or request.

pleading

The act of making a plea.

pleader

One who pleads a case in a court of law.

To beg or implore someone in a way that seems desperate.

He was pleading like a puppy for her to stay.

To express something in an exaggerated emotional manner.

She was just pleading for attention with all that drama.