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Importuning: meaning, definitions and examples

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importuning

 

[ ɪmˈpɔːr.tjuː.nɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal context

Importuning refers to the act of persistently and urgently asking for something, often in a disrespectful or inappropriate manner. In legal terms, it may involve soliciting someone for sexual purposes without their consent or through coercive means. The term is often used in discussions about solicitation laws and public decency. It highlights behaviors that are considered intrusive and unwelcome in social interactions.

Synonyms

entreaty, exhortation, solicitation

Examples of usage

  • The defendant was charged with importuning a minor.
  • Her importuning for donations became overwhelming.
  • The city's ordinance aims to prevent importuning in public spaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "importuning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 importunação

🇮🇳 आवश्यकता

🇩🇪 Aufdringlichkeit

🇮🇩 mengganggu

🇺🇦 наголошення

🇵🇱 natarczywość

🇯🇵 迷惑

🇫🇷 importunité

🇪🇸 importunidad

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 강요

🇸🇦 إلحاح

🇨🇿 dotěrnost

🇸🇰 dotieravosť

🇨🇳 强加

🇸🇮 vztrajnica

🇮🇸 áreiðanleiki

🇰🇿 қабылдамау

🇬🇪 ნაწყვეტილი

🇦🇿 təzyiq

🇲🇽 importunidad

Word origin

The word 'importuning' originates from the Latin 'importunus', meaning 'unfit' or 'unseemly'. Its usage in English can be traced back to the late 14th century, where it initially referred to the act of being insistent or persistent in a way deemed inappropriate. Over time, the connotation evolved, particularly in legal contexts, where it became associated with forms of solicitation that are intrusive or coercive. The term gained a more specific legal definition in the 19th century, particularly in English law, as statutory provisions addressed issues of moral offenses, focusing on the protection of individuals from unwanted advances. The evolution of language and social norms has shaped how 'importuning' is perceived and employed in contemporary discussions around ethics and legality.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,993, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.