Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Petition has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
"Thousands of residents signed a petition and submitted it to the city council demanding stricter zoning laws."
A formal, written request made to an official person or organized body, often containing many signatures.
"The local council received a petition from residents demanding new streetlights after several accidents occurred on the dark road."
In plain English: A petition is a formal request signed by many people to ask for something from a government or organization.
"The students signed a petition to demand better funding for the school library."
Usage: Use "petition" as a noun to describe a formal document with many signatures requesting action from a government official or organization. Do not use it to refer to a single personal appeal or a casual complaint without collective support.
write a petition for something to somebody; request formally and in writing
"The community members gathered signatures to petition the city council for better street lighting on their block."
To make a request to, commonly in written form.
"The residents signed a petition to make a formal request for the city to install new streetlights."
In plain English: To petition means to formally ask someone for something you want.
"The community will petition the mayor to build a new park."
Usage: To petition means to formally ask someone in authority for something, often by submitting a written request or signature list. Use this verb when you are making an official plea to a government body, organization, or leader rather than just asking casually.
The word "petition" entered English via the Middle English and Old French forms peticiun, derived from the Latin root meaning to ask or seek. Originally referring specifically to a formal written request, it traveled through these languages before settling into modern usage with its current sense of soliciting something officially.