impetrate

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive, formal, rare):
    • To obtain by entreaty or petition: "impetrate" means to secure something through earnest and humble request, often in a religious or formal context.
    • To ask for earnestly: In a broader sense, it can mean to plead or beg for something.
Usage Examples

  • To obtain by entreaty:

    • The monks sought to impetrate divine mercy through their prayers. (They tried to obtain mercy by earnest supplication.)
    • The ambassador could not impetrate the king's pardon for the prisoner. (He could not secure the pardon through formal request.)

  • To ask for earnestly:

    • She impetrated her father's blessing before departing. (She begged for his blessing with deep earnestness.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to impetrate a favour": to obtain a favour through persistent and humble appeal.

    • He impetrated a small favour from the judge by pleading his case with humility. (He secured the favour through earnest entreaty.)

  • "impetrate through prayer": a common religious usage referring to obtaining divine gifts or forgiveness through prayer.

    • The congregation impetrated peace through their collective prayers. (They obtained peace by earnest petition to God.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Impetration (noun): the act of obtaining something by entreaty; a petition or request granted.

    • The impetration of the king's clemency took many weeks. (The process of obtaining the king's mercy through entreaty.)

  • Impetrative (adjective): having the power to obtain by entreaty; supplicatory.

    • Her impetrative plea moved the council to action. (Her plea, which sought to obtain something, was persuasive.)

  • Impetrator (noun): one who impetrates; a petitioner.

    • The impetrator knelt before the altar, his voice barely a whisper. (The person making the earnest request.)
Synonyms
  • Obtain: to get possession of something (less formal, broader).
  • Secure: to obtain with effort (more general).
  • Supplicate: to ask humbly and earnestly (often in a religious context).
  • Entreat: to ask someone earnestly or anxiously.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms