— asker , n.
/ask, ahsk/ , v.t.
1. to put a question to; inquire of: I asked him but he didn't answer.
2. to request information about: to ask the way.
3. to try to get by using words; request: to ask advice; to ask a favor.
4. to solicit from; request of: Could I ask you a favor? Ask her for advice.
5. to demand; expect: What price are they asking? A little silence is all I ask.
6. to set a price of: to ask $20 for the hat.
7. to call for; need; require: This experiment asks patience.
8. to invite: to ask guests to dinner.
9. Archaic. to publish (banns).
v.i.
10. to make inquiry; inquire: to ask about a person.
11. to request or petition (usually fol. by for ): to ask for leniency; to ask for food.
12. ask for it , to risk or invite trouble, danger, punishment, etc., by persisting in some action or manner: He was asking for it by his abusive remarks.
[ bef. 900; ME asken, axen, OE ascian, axian; c. OFris askia, OS escon, OHG eiscon (G heischen ), Skt icchati (he) seeks ]
Syn. 1. question, interrogate. 3, 11 . sue, appeal. 4. beseech, beg, entreat. 10. See inquire .
Ant. 1, 10. answer.