petition for (something)

petition for (something)

1. To make a formal request via an organized group, and especially in writing, for something to be granted or changed. We've been petitioning for better healthcare laws for the last 15 years. The worker's union petitioned for farer wages and better working hours for all employees of the company.

2. To address a formal request to some person or body of authority for something to be granted or changed. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "petition" and "for." Students from around the country have begun petitioning the government for free public education. You can petition your case worker for an extension on your deadline if you need one.

See also: for, petition

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

petition someone or something for something

to make a formal request of someone or a group for something. They petitioned us for an end to the stringent dress code. We had to petition the upper administration for a revision in the policy.

See also: for, petition

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.