implore
UK[ɪmˈplɔː(r)]US[ɪmˈplɔːr]
v
To ask someone to do something in a very sincere, emotional, and urgent way.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
plore
im
in
plore
to weep, lament
Etymology
The word 'implore' entered English in the 16th century from the Latin verb 'implorare', which was formed by combining the prefix 'in-' (meaning "in, into, upon") with the verb 'plorare' (meaning "to weep, cry out"). The original Latin sense was literally "to invoke with tears" or "to beseech while weeping," capturing a physical and emotional appeal. This concrete image of earnestly calling upon someone while in a state of lamentation evolved into the modern abstract meaning of begging or entreating someone with great fervor and sincerity, even when literal tears are not present.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + plore (to weep, lament)
- im: A prefix of Latin origin (variant of 'in-'), meaning "in, into, on".
- plore: A root of Latin origin (from 'plorare'), meaning "to weep, cry out, lament".
Examples
She implored the judge to show mercy to her son.
The villagers implored the authorities for aid after the flood.
He implored his friend not to make a reckless decision.