The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - ask v.

1) question, interrogate, query, quiz; inquire or enquire (of) : Let's ask the policeman for information. Just ask directions of any passer-by. I merely asked if you were going my way. 2) demand, require, expect, request: Doing his laundry is a lot to ask. 3) beg, apply (to) , appeal (to) , seek (from) , solicit (from) , petition, plead (to) , beg, beseech, pray, entreat, implore: In the streets, thousands of beggars ask passers-by for alms. 4) invite, bid, summon: Nellie asked me to dinner. 5) ask after or about. inquire or enquire after or about: My sister asked after you - wanted to know how you were getting along. 6) ask for. a invite, attract, encourage, provoke: You're asking for trouble if you walk alone through that neighbourhood after dark. b request, seek: We asked for more time to finish the project.