1. made a formal written request to an authority or organization
Usage: past tense of petition
2. formally requested a court to take legal action
Usage: legal context; past tense of petition

Examples

• The residents petitioned the city council for better street lighting.
• Students petitioned the administration to extend library hours.
• The company petitioned the court for bankruptcy protection.
• Citizens petitioned their representatives to vote against the bill.
• The group petitioned for a new traffic light at the intersection.
• She petitioned the university to reconsider her application.
• The workers petitioned management for better working conditions.