/ pəˈtɪʃn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
petition (against / for sth) a written document signed by a large number of people that asks sb in a position of authority to do or change sth :
a petition against experiments on animals
The workers are getting up (= starting) a petition for tighter safety standards.
2.
( law ) an official document asking a court to take a particular course of action
3.
( formal ) a formal prayer to God or request to sb in authority
■ verb
1.
petition for / against sth | petition sb (for sth) to make a formal request to sb in authority, especially by sending them a petition :
[ v ]
Local residents have successfully petitioned against the siting of a prison in their area.
[ vn ]
The group intends to petition Parliament for reform of the law.
[ vn to inf ]
Parents petitioned the school to review its admission policy.
2.
petition (sb) (for sth) to formally ask for sth in court :
[ v ]
to petition for divorce
[also vn , vn to inf ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Latin petitio(n-) , from petit- aimed at, sought, laid claim to, from the verb petere .