As a noun, it is a written request signed by many people asking authorities to do or change something. As a verb, it means to formally ask for something, especially in writing.
From Latin “petitio” meaning “a request, a seeking,” from “petere” (to seek, to ask). It has long been used for formal appeals to those in power.
A petition turns lots of quiet opinions into one loud, visible demand. In democracies, it’s one of the simplest tools ordinary people have to push leaders and institutions to respond.
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