v. im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing, im·por·tunes v.tr. 1. To make an earnest request of (someone), especially insistently or repeatedly: "A dozen reporters importuned every passing ambassador to speak to them" (Felicity Barringer). 2. Archaic a. To ask for (something) urgently or repeatedly. b. To annoy; vex. v.intr. To plead or urge irksomely, often persistently. adj. Archaic Importunate. [French importuner, from Old French importun, inopportune, from Latin importūnus : in-, not; see IN-1 + portus, port, refuge; see per-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] im′por·tunely adv. im′por·tuner n. |
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