Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make a formal statement in a court of law: To state formally in a legal proceeding whether one is guilty or not guilty of a crime, or to present arguments and facts in a legal case.
   • To argue or give reasons for or against something: To present a case or argument in support of a cause or position.
   • To make an earnest emotional appeal: To ask for something in a serious, urgent, or sincere way.

Usage

• In a legal context: "plead" is used to describe the action of a defendant responding to a charge in court.
• In an argumentative context: "plead" is used to present reasons or justifications for a particular stance.
• In an emotional context: "plead" is used to describe making a heartfelt request or entreaty.

Examples

• Legal Statement:
  • The defendant will plead not guilty to the charges.
  • Her lawyer advised her to plead insanity.
• Presenting an Argument:
  • He pleaded the case for increased funding for schools.
  • She pleaded ignorance when asked about the missing files.
• Making an Earnest Appeal:
  • The mother pleaded with the judge for mercy.
  • I pleaded with him to reconsider his decision.

Advanced Usage

• "to plead the Fifth (Amendment)": In US law, to refuse to answer a question in court because the answer might incriminate oneself.
  • When asked about his involvement, he chose to plead the Fifth.
• "to plead one's case": To argue in support of one's own position or situation.
  • He was given a chance to plead his case before the committee.

Variants and Related Words

• Plea (n): A formal statement made by or on behalf of a defendant in court, or an earnest request.
  • He entered a plea of guilty.
  • Her plea for help was ignored.
• Pleading (adj): Making an earnest appeal; sounding sad and begging.
  • She gave him a pleading look.
• Pleadingly (adv): In a begging or earnest manner.
  • He looked at her pleadingly.

Synonyms

• Beseech: To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something.
• Implore: To beg someone earnestly or desperately.
• Entreat: To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.
• Petition: To make a formal request to an authority.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Plead for (someone/something): To make an earnest appeal on behalf of someone or something.
  • The charity is pleading for more donations.
• Plead with (someone): To make an earnest appeal to a specific person.
  • She pleaded with her father to let her go to the party.

Related Idioms

• Plead poverty: To claim that one is too poor to do something, often as an excuse.
  • He pleaded poverty when asked to contribute.
• Plead guilty/not guilty: The standard legal phrases for admitting or denying a charge in court.
  • The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Verb

1. make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding, especially answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts
2. enter a plea, as in courts of law
   • She pleaded not guilty
3. offer as an excuse or plea
   • She was pleading insanity
4. appeal or request earnestly
   • I pleaded with him to stop