importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]
/ ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR importune ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

verb (used without object), im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

to make urgent or persistent solicitations.
to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

importunate.

Origin of importune

1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; see im-2, opportune

OTHER WORDS FROM importune

im·por·tune·ly, adverb im·por·tun·er, noun un·im·por·tuned, adjective

Words nearby importune

importation, imported currantworm, importee, importunacy, importunate, importune, importunity, impose, impose on, imposing, imposing stone

Words related to importune

beset, press, crave, persuade, plead, hound, badger, sell, nag, pray, pester, implore, solicit, appeal, urge, invoke, besiege, plague, ask, beseech

Example sentences from the Web for importune

British Dictionary definitions for importune

importune
/ (ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn) /

verb (tr)

to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
to beg for persistently; request with insistence
obsolete
  1. to anger or annoy
  2. to force; impel

Derived forms of importune

importuner, noun importunity or importunacy, noun

Word Origin for importune

C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in- 1 + -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune