Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone: A formal or earnest request, often for money, help, or support.
   • The act of enticing or inciting someone to do something, especially something unlawful or immoral: An inducement to commit a crime or an improper act.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The charity sent out a solicitation for donations to fund the new hospital wing.
  • He was arrested for the solicitation of a bribe from a contractor.
  • Her solicitation for a pay raise was denied by the management.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In law, "solicitation" often refers to the crime of asking, enticing, or urging someone to commit a criminal act.
  • The charge was solicitation to commit murder.
• Business/Commercial Context: The act of asking for business, orders, or investments.
  • The new regulations restrict the solicitation of clients in the financial sector.

Variants and Related Words

• Solicit (verb): To ask for or try to obtain something from someone.
  • They will solicit feedback from all users.
• Solicitor (noun): A person who solicits, especially one who seeks trade or contributions. (Also a term for a type of lawyer in some countries).
  • A solicitor for the charity knocked on our door.

Synonyms

• Entreaty: A serious and often emotional request.
• Appeal: A serious or urgent request, typically to the public.
• Petition: A formal written request, typically one signed by many people.
• Importuning: Persistent and forceful solicitation.

Related Phrases

• Solicitation of funds: The act of asking for monetary donations.
  • Their solicitation of funds for the disaster relief was highly successful.
• Upon solicitation: When requested or asked.
  • References are available upon solicitation.

Related Idioms

• No solicitation: A notice (often on a sign) requesting that people do not ask for business, donations, etc., at that location.
  • The building had a 'No Solicitation' sign on its front door.

Noun

1. the act of enticing a person to do something wrong (as an offer of sex in return for money)
2. request for a sum of money
   • an appeal to raise money for starving children
3. an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status
   • a solicitation to the king for relief