What does imploration mean?
Imploration is a formal noun meaning an urgent appeal, plea, or request for help, mercy, forgiveness, or support. It can describe either the act of entreating someone or the appeal itself, often as expressed by a person in distress. The word appears in literary, historical, legal, and dramatic contexts, where it emphasizes emotional intensity and the submissive character of a plea. Unlike the more neutral “request,” an imploration implies urgency and often desperation. A person may make an imploration to another person or to an authority such as a court, a ruler, or a group. Although it can be used in everyday speech, it sounds more elevated than words such as “request” or “begging,” and is especially effective when describing a deeply felt appeal for mercy or assistance.
nounAn earnest appeal or plea for help, mercy, or forgiveness. The word refers both to the act of begging and to the words or entreaties used in such a plea.
- An earnest plea or appeal for help, mercy, or forgiveness.
- The act of begging or entreating someone to do or grant something.
"Her imploration for mercy brought the tense negotiation to an end."
"The prisoner made a final imploration to the court."
"Her imploration for quiet was ignored by the noisy crowd."
"He listened to the speaker's imploration for support."
The plural is used for multiple appeals or pleas.
"The mother's implorations finally persuaded the officials to intervene."
From the Latin for “to call upon with tears,” imploration carries the image of someone urgently appealing for help.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imploration come from?
Imploration comes from Latin implorare, formed from in-, meaning “into” or “upon,” and plorare, meaning “to cry aloud” or “to lament.” The Latin verb expressed a serious appeal or outcry, often made with weeping or lamentation. English borrowed the word in the early 16th century in the sense of an earnest entreaty. It shares its root with implore, deplore, and explore.
Related word forms
How imploration is actually used
This is a formal and literary noun, especially common in speeches, historical writing, and descriptions of intense personal appeals. It often conveys more urgency and emotional force than a general “request.”
Easily confused with imploration
An imploration is a plea or entreaty, whereas an implosion is a sudden collapse inward, as of a structure or political situation.