1. to ask for something in an urgent or emotional way
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘plead’
2. to state in a court of law whether one is guilty or not guilty of a crime
Usage: legal context
3. to give as an excuse or explanation

Examples

• She pleads with her parents to let her go to the concert.
• The defendant pleads not guilty to all charges.
• He pleads ignorance about the missing money.
• The child pleads for just five more minutes of playtime.
• The lawyer’s client pleads guilty to the lesser charge.
• She pleads exhaustion as her reason for leaving early.
• The witness pleads the Fifth Amendment and refuses to testify.