solicit
UK[səˈlɪsɪt]US[səˈlɪsɪt]
v
To ask for (something, such as money or help) from people, organizations, etc., often in a persistent or formal way.
v
To ask (a person or group) for something.
v
To offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money.
Etymology
The word 'solicit' entered English in the early 15th century from the Old French 'solliciter', meaning "to disturb, harass, or entreat." This, in turn, derives from the Latin 'sollicitare', a verb meaning "to disturb, rouse, or trouble," which is formed from the adjective 'sollicitus' ("agitated, anxious"). 'Sollicitus' itself is a compound of 'sollus' ("whole, entire") and 'citius', a past participle of 'ciere' ("to set in motion, shake, summon"). Thus, the original Latin sense was of being "thoroughly moved or agitated." Over time in English, the meaning specialized away from general agitation towards the specific action of earnestly asking for or attempting to obtain something, often carrying a formal or persistent connotation.
Analysis
The entire word is a simplex unit borrowed from Latin. It is not productively segmented using its modern English spelling.
Examples
The charity sent out letters to solicit donations for the new community center.
The committee decided to solicit feedback from all employees before finalizing the policy.
It is illegal to solicit clients on the street in this district.