Importune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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importune
[ɪmˈpɔːtʃuːn ]
Definitions
request persistently
To importune means to ask someone persistently and urgently for something. This term is often used in contexts where someone is making repeated and insistent requests, often leading to feelings of annoyance or pressure.
Synonyms
beg, implore, insist, pester, urge.
Examples of usage
- She importuned her parents for a new car.
- The vendor importuned potential customers to buy his goods.
- He was importuned by friends to join them on their trip.
solicit for sexual favors
In a more negative context, to importune can refer to soliciting someone for sexual favors in a persistent manner, often in a way considered inappropriate or unwanted.
Synonyms
entreat, negotiate, prostitute, solicit.
Examples of usage
- The man was accused of importuning women in the park.
- She felt uncomfortable after being importuned by strangers online.
- Local authorities have responded to a rise in cases of importuning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often importune others for favors or assistance, demonstrating both human desire and societal pressures.
- The term appears in various literary works where characters express desperation, highlighting the struggles of the human condition.
- Notable authors utilize importune to convey the theme of longing, showing how persistent requests can reveal character depth.
Psychology
- Psychologically, importuning can be linked to attachment styles, particularly in relationships where one party seeks constant reassurance.
- Studies suggest that frequent importuning can lead to strained relationships due to perceived pressure or annoyance.
- It highlights the balance between expressing needs and respecting others' boundaries in communication.
Social Dynamics
- In modern society, the act of importuning can be seen in scenarios like crowdfunding, where individuals must repeatedly ask for support.
- Importune behaviors are often observed in sales and marketing, where persistent requests can affect customer relationship dynamics.
- Cultural norms vary significantly; in some societies, persistent asking is seen as determination, whereas, in others, it may be frowned upon.
Legal Context
- In legal terms, importuning takes on a specific meaning related to soliciting someone for illicit purposes or acts.
- Certain laws address importuning, particularly in cases of harassment or unwanted advances, reflecting societal values.
- The term has appeared in various court cases, highlighting its relevance in discussions about consent and personal boundaries.
Origin of 'importune'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'importunus', meaning 'unfit or inconvenient', which combined elements of 'in' (not) and 'portunus' (fitting).
- It has evolved over centuries, becoming more associated with persistent or troublesome asking.
- In Middle English, the term appeared as 'importunen', reflecting its roots in both request and difficulty.
The term 'importune' has its roots in the Latin word 'importunus', which means 'unfit' or 'unwelcome'. The prefix 'in-' typically denotes negation, while 'portare' means 'to carry'. Thus, the concept of importuneness originally revolved around the idea of carrying a burden that is unwelcome. The word made its way into Middle English through Old French as 'importuner', referring to the act of troubling or annoying someone through persistent requests. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass both the act of asking insistently as well as the more negative connotation of solicitation, especially in regards to sexual favors. The evolution indicates societal changes in how persistent requests are perceived, and the nuances that come with them.