solicitation
UK[səˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃən]US[səˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃən]
n
the act of asking for something, such as money, help, or information, often in a persistent or formal way.
n
the act of enticing or inciting someone to do something, especially something illegal or immoral.
Morpheme Breakdown
solicit
ation
solicit
to ask
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'solicitation' originates from the latin verb solicitare, which meant 'to disturb, agitate, or move violently.' this verb itself was a compound of solus (whole, entire) and citare (to set in motion, rouse), thus conveying a sense of thoroughly shaking something up. over time, the meaning softened from physical agitation to mental disturbance or anxiety, and then further evolved to signify the act of earnestly entreating or appealing to someone, capturing the sense of stirring someone into action. the addition of the noun suffix '-ation' formalized this action, leading to the modern english term which denotes the act of making a persistent request or enticement.
Analysis
Structure: solicit (to ask) + ation (noun suffix)
solicit (from latin solicitare, meaning 'to disturb, agitate, entreat'), ation (latin noun-forming suffix -ationem, indicating an action or process).
Examples
the charity sent out thousands of letters in its annual solicitation for donations.
he was arrested for the solicitation of confidential information from a government employee.
the sign clearly stated that solicitation was prohibited on the premises.