rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypetitionFormal request
noun / verb

petition

puh-TISH-un/pəˈtɪʃn/

A formal request to an authority, or the act of making one.

The organizer submits the signed petition to an official.

A compact two-stage scene shows supporters signing a shared document and its organizer formally submitting that same signature-filled document to a civic official, with the signer standing beside him in support.
Etymology
petitLatinseek; ask for
+ionLatinaction or process

Latin petere links seeking something with asking for it. The resulting action noun could mean a claim or request, which developed into the formal written appeal represented by a petition.

In context

TED9:56
450 chefs have signed a petition calling on Congress to support the SAFE Seafood Act
Jackie Savitz: Save the oceans, feed the world!

More examples

  • Hundreds signed the petition.
  • She filed a petition with the court.
  • They petitioned for a change in the rules.

Forms

petition · petitions · petitioned · petitioning

petitioner noun — a person making a formal request

Similar words

appeal
Often asks for help or review of a decision.
request
The general word without the formal process.