Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority for a particular cause or action: A "petition" is a document formally stating a request and often containing signatures of supporters, submitted to a governing body or official.
   • (Formal) A solemn request or prayer to a deity or superior: In a more formal or religious context, a "petition" can be a reverent plea or supplication.

2. Verb:

   • To make or present a formal written request to an authority: To "petition" means to formally ask, in writing, for something from someone in power.
   • To make a solemn request or entreaty: To "petition" can also mean to earnestly plead or pray for something.

Examples

• Noun:

  • We signed a petition to save the local library from closing.
  • The group submitted a petition with over 10,000 signatures to the city council.
  • In her prayers, she offered a petition for peace.

• Verb:

  • The citizens petitioned the government for cleaner water.
  • They are petitioning the court to review the case.
  • He petitioned for a pardon.

Advanced Usage

• "To file a petition": To officially submit a formal request, especially in a legal context.

  • The lawyer filed a petition for bankruptcy on behalf of the company.

• "A petition of right": (Historical/Legal) A legal proceeding to enforce a right against the Crown or state.

• "To circulate a petition": To pass a petition around to gather signatures.
  • Activists circulated a petition online to gather support.

Variants and Related Words

• Petitioner (n): A person who presents or signs a petition.

  • The petitioner requested a change in the policy.

• Petitionary (adj): Of the nature of or expressing a petition.

  • He sent a petitionary letter to the authorities.

Synonyms

• Noun: Appeal, plea, application, solicitation, supplication.
• Verb: Appeal to, request, apply to, beseech, entreat.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Petition" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb is typically used transitively or with "for.") - Petition for: To make a formal request in order to obtain something. - The workers petitioned for better safety conditions.

Related Idioms

• "A petition drive": An organized effort to collect signatures for a petition.
  • The environmental group launched a petition drive to ban single-use plastics.

Noun

1. reverent petition to a deity
2. a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

Verb

1. write a petition for something to somebody; request formally and in writing