plea

1 of 1noun

/pli/

Forms:pleas

1

(law) a formal statement made by someone confirming or denying their accusation

C1

The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor offered a plea deal to resolve the case without going to trial.
She entered a plea of guilty to avoid a lengthy court proceeding.
The judge accepted his plea of no contest and scheduled a sentencing hearing.
The defense attorney argued for a reduction in charges based on the plea bargain negotiated with the prosecution.

2

a sincere and humble request, often made in times of need or desperation

She ignored his plea for forgiveness, unwilling to give him another chance.
The charity sent out a plea for donations to help those affected by the disaster.
His eyes were filled with desperation as he made a plea for help.
The workers' plea for better working conditions was finally heard by the management.

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