The word “plead” has two distinct, though related, meanings in the law. One is a complex, written dialogue; the other is a simple but profound verbal declaration.
Definition of plead verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Plead belongs to the same class of verbs as bleed, lead, and feed, and like them it has a past and past participle with a short vowel spelled pled (or sometimes plead, which is pronounced alike).
PLEAD definition: 1. to make an urgent, emotional statement or request for something: 2. to make a statement of what…. Learn more.
Plead means to beg or passionately try to persuade someone to do something. It’s similar to the word beg, which often means to request again and again. Plead can mean the same thing, but it’s especially used to imply that the request is passionate and that the person doing the pleading is desperate. It’s especially used in serious situations.
Plead is a verb that means “to appeal or entreat earnestly.” It’s often used when referring to the law and court, as in “to allege or set forth (something) formally in an action at law.”
If you plead with someone to do something, you ask them in an intense, emotional way to do it. The woman pleaded with her daughter to come back home. [VERB + with] He was kneeling on the floor pleading for mercy. [VERB + for] 'Do not say that,' she pleaded. [VERB with quote]
Usage Note: In strict legal usage, one is said to plead guilty or plead not guilty but not to plead innocent. In nonlegal contexts, however, plead innocent is well established.