v. so·lic·it·ed, so·lic·it·ing, so·lic·its v.tr. 1. To seek to obtain by persuasion, entreaty, or formal application: a candidate who solicited votes among the factory workers. 2. To petition persistently; importune: solicited the neighbors for donations. 3. To commit the criminal offense of enticing or inciting (another) to commit an illegal act. 4. To approach or accost (a person) with an offer of sex in exchange for payment. v.intr. 1. To make solicitation or petition for something desired. 2. To approach or accost someone with an offer of sex in exchange for payment. [Middle English soliciten, to disturb, from Old French solliciter, from Latin sollicitāre, from sollicitus, troubled; see SOLICITOUS.] so·lic′i·tation n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.