petition

//pəˈtɪʃən//
B2Frequency Level 9Formal
Visual representation of petition

Noun

petitionSingular
petitionsPlural
1

A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority for a specific cause or action.

Over 10,000 people signed the petition to save the local park.

2

A formal application made to a court or other official body requesting judicial action.

The lawyer filed a petition for divorce on behalf of her client.

Verb

petitionInfinitive
petitionPresent tense
petitionedPast tense
petitionedPast participle
petitioningPresent participle
petitionsThird-person singular
1

To make a formal request or appeal to an authority, especially in writing.

The residents petitioned the city council to improve the local park.

2

To submit a formal application to a court for a legal remedy or action.

She petitioned the court for custody of her children.