EXPOSTULATE

expostulate

(verb) reason with (somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

expostulate (third-person singular simple present expostulates, present participle expostulating, simple past and past participle expostulated)

(intransitive) To protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct.

Synonyms

• challenge, demur, except, inveigh, kick, object, protest, remonstrate, squawk

Source: Wiktionary

Ex*pos"tu*late, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Expostulated();p. pr. & vb. n. Expostulating.] Etym: [L. expostulatus, p.p. of expostulare to demand vehemently; ex out + postulare to ask, require. See Postulate.]

Definition: To reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of his conduct, representing the wrong he has done or intends, and urging him to make redress or to desist; to remonstrate; -- followed by with. Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong. Jowett (Thuc. ).

Syn.

– To remonstrate; reason. See Remonstrate.

Ex*pos"tu*late, v. t.

Definition: To discuss; to examine. [Obs.] To expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is. Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition