Importune

To persistently and urgently request or demand something from someone; to solicit or plead with undue frequency or insistence. The term often carries connotations of annoyance or pressure, as the act of importuning may be viewed as overly aggressive or inappropriate in some contexts. It can refer to both verbal appeals and written requests.

Importune meaning with examples

• As the school fundraising campaign progressed, parents began to importune local businesses for donations, checking in repeatedly until they received a commitment. The relentless requests sometimes felt overwhelming, yet the community's financial needs drove their persistence.
• The candidate's supporters seemed to importune voters on every street corner, distributing flyers and seeking signatures, leaving many residents feeling besieged by their fervor. Though their intentions were noble, the approach turned off some potential supporters.
• During the holiday season, many children will importune their parents for last-minute gifts, hoping that relentless pleading might bend their will. The amusing persistence often invites eye-rolls from the adults who are already stretched thin by holiday expenses.
• Asking the manager for a raise, Jenna decided to importune her boss by scheduling a series of meetings to discuss her contributions. Each time, she presented new evidence of her growing value to the team, ultimately highlighting the necessity of her request.
• In the marketplace, street vendors importune passing tourists to buy their handmade crafts, using engaging conversation and sales tactics. While some shoppers appreciate the lively atmosphere, others find the pressure to purchase quite uncomfortable.