noun
solicitation
suh-lis-ih-TAY-shun/səˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃn/
An attempt to obtain something through an appeal.
The volunteer's solicitation invites the resident to join a community activity.
Etymology
The roots suggest stirring someone up completely. The older noun meant disturbance or instigation; the asking sense turns that prompting into an appeal for money, support, business, or participation.
In context
In simple terms, charitable solicitation is the act of asking for donations to support a nonprofit's work.
More examples
- She ignores telephone solicitations from companies she does not recognize.
- The agency's solicitation for proposals lists a Friday deadline.
- The store posts a sign that prohibits solicitation.
Forms
solicitation · solicitations
solicit verb — To ask for or seek something.