petition
UK: pɪˈtɪʃən | US: pəˈtɪʃən
n. a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority for a cause
vt. to make a formal request to an authority
petition = pet<seek> + ition<noun suffix>
- pet (from Latin petere, meaning "to seek, ask, attack")
- ition (a noun-forming suffix indicating action or result, from Latin -itio)
Etymology Origin:
The word "petition" traces back to Latin petitio ("a request, demand"), derived from petere ("to seek"). The root pet- conveys active pursuit, whether in asking (e.g., "petition") or attacking (e.g., "impetus"). Over time, the term narrowed to legal or formal appeals, reflecting its structured, goal-oriented nature.
Citizens submitted a petition to the council for safer streets.
She petitioned the court to review her case.
The online petition gathered 10,000 signatures overnight.
Workers petitioned management for better wages.
His petition for clemency was denied.