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