To ask for something persistently and urgently; to beg or pester someone repeatedly for something. To make repeated and annoying requests or demands.
From Latin 'importunus' meaning 'unsuitable, troublesome,' from 'in-' (not) + 'portus' (harbor). Originally described something 'not in harbor' — hence restless, troublesome, or persistent like a ship unable to find safe harbor.
Think of someone who won't stop knocking at your door like a ship that can't find harbor — they keep circling back with the same request. Importuning is being persistently annoying in your requests.
Historically applied disproportionately to women's advocacy; persistent women's demands reframed as annoyance rather than legitimate.
Use neutrally for persistent requests from any source, or prefer 'persistent request' or 'repeated inquiry'.
["persistent request","repeated inquiry","sustained appeal"]
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