noun
plea
An earnest request or appeal.
A worried adult makes a plea for help with a shivering dog.
Etymology
Plea developed from formal debate and legal argument. The sense broadened to an earnest appeal made in the hope of securing a favorable response.
In context
a guilty plea that's later withdrawn statements made during plea negotiations statements made during court plea proceedings
More examples
- The mayor issues a plea for calm after the storm.
- Her quiet plea changes his mind.
- Their pleas for more time go unanswered.
Forms
plea · pleas
plead verb — To make an earnest, urgent request.