<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) begged, beg·ging.</li><li>to ask for as a gift, as charity, or as a favor: to beg forgiveness.</li><li>to beg alms; to beg for forgiveness.</li><li>to ask (someone) to give or do something; implore: He begged me for mercy. Sit down, I beg you.</li><li>to take for granted without basis or justification: a statement that begs the very point we're disputing.</li><li>to fail or refuse to come to grips with; avoid; evade: a report that consistently begs the whole problem.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to request or obtain release from an obligation, promise, etc.: He had promised to drive us to the recital but begged off at the last minute.</li></ul>