entreat
UK: ɪnˈtriːt | US: ɪnˈtriːt
vt. to ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something
vt. to plead or beg persistently
vt. (archaic) to treat or deal with in a specified manner
The word "entreat" originates from Middle English entreten, borrowed from Old French entraitier, combining the prefix en- (meaning "in" or "into") and traitier ("to handle" or "negotiate"). The root treat derives from Latin tractare ("to manage, deal with"), a frequentative form of trahere ("to pull, draw"). Over time, "entreat" evolved from the general sense of "handling matters" to specifically mean "pleading earnestly," reflecting a shift toward emotional urgency in negotiation.
She entreated him to stay a little longer.
The villagers entreated the king for mercy.
He entreated his friend to reconsider the decision.
The letter entreated immediate action to prevent disaster.
They entreated the judge with tears in their eyes.