<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to appeal or entreat earnestly: to plead for time.</li><li>Synonyms: supplicate, beg</li><li>to use arguments or persuasions, as with a person, for or against something: She pleaded with him not to take the job.</li><li>Synonyms: reason</li><li>to afford an argument or appeal: His youth pleads for him.</li><li>Law: to make any allegation or plea in an action at law.</li><li>to put forward an answer on the part of a defendant to a legal declaration or charge.</li><li>to address a court as an advocate.</li><li>Obsolete: to prosecute a suit or action at law.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to allege or urge in defense, justification, or excuse: to plead ignorance.</li><li>Synonyms: claim</li><li>Law: to maintain (a cause) by argument before a court.</li><li>to allege or set forth (something) formally in an action at law.</li><li>to allege or cite in legal defense: to plead a statute of limitations.</li></ul>