importune

[im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuh n] /ˌɪm pɔrˈtun, -ˈtyun, ɪmˈpɔr tʃən/
verb (used with object), importuned, importuning.
1.
to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.
2.
to make improper advances toward (a person).
3.
to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.
4.
Obsolete. to annoy.
5.
Obsolete. to press; impel.
verb (used without object), importuned, importuning.
6.
to make urgent or persistent solicitations.
7.
to make improper advances toward another person.
adjective
8.
importunate.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; see im-2, opportune
Related forms
importunely, adverb
importuner, noun
unimportuned, adjective
Synonyms
1, 3. beseech, entreat, implore, supplicate, solicit. 6. plead.
Examples from the web for importune
  • The ghosts importune the living, begging to be remembered and avenged.
  • Your ob-gyn went astray ethically the moment she picked up the phone to importune you herself.
  • Those you importune can decide if they deem your team a worthy cause that they wish to underwrite.
British Dictionary definitions for importune

importune

/ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn/
verb (transitive)
1.
to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
2.
to beg for persistently; request with insistence
3.
(obsolete)
  1. to anger or annoy
  2. to force; impel
Derived Forms
importuner, noun
importunity, importunacy, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im-in-1 + -portūnus as in opportūnusopportune
Word Origin and History for importune
v.

1520s, back-formation from importunity, or else from Middle French importuner, from Medieval Latin importunari "to make oneself troublesome," from Latin importunus "unfit, troublesome," originally "having no harbor" (i.e. "difficult to access"), from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + portus "harbor" (see port (n.1)). Related: Importuned; importuning. As an adjective from early 15c.