Dictionary
plead
to say whether or not you are guilty of a crime in a court of law
When the judge asks how you plead, you must say "guilty" or "not guilty."
to ask for something that you want very much in an emotional way
The company is pleading with its creditors to save the company following their rejection of a rescue plan.
to argue your position in some matter, especially as a lawyer on behalf of a client in a court of law or other tribunal
He pleaded a convincing case.
to make a particular argument (a reason or a point of law) as a defence or as an accusation (=a claim about someone that you say is true) in court
She pleaded insanity as a defence to the murder.
Phrase Bank
- Mr Sandford will plead for the claimant.
- He pleaded guilty to one count of drunk driving.
- Plaintiffs failed to plead facts sufficient to establish a claim.
- Plaintiff may be able to plead a valid claim under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law.
- The case was properly pleaded.
- She pleaded for mercy.
- He could not successfully plead self-defense if he was engaged in mutual combat with the victim.
Additional Notes
- This term has several past tense forms--plead, pleaded and pled, but pleaded is the most popular form in both American and British English.