To plead means to ask for something in an urgent or emotional way, or to officially state in court whether you are guilty or not guilty.
From Old French 'plaider' meaning 'to argue, make a case in court', from Late Latin 'placitare' meaning 'to argue a case', from 'placitum' meaning 'decree, opinion'. It moved from legal arguing to emotional begging.
In court, to 'plead guilty' is not just talking—it’s officially choosing a legal path for your future. In everyday life, when you 'plead' with someone, you’re borrowing the intense seriousness of courtroom language for personal drama.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.