ɑ:sk v. 1 tr.
call for an
answer to or
about (ask
her about
it; ask
him his name; ask a
question of him). 2 tr.
seek to
obtain from another person (ask a
favour of; ask to be allowed). 3 tr. (usu. foll. by
out or
over, or to (a
function etc.))
invite;
request the company of (must ask
them over; asked her to dinner). 4 intr. (foll. by for) seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to (ask for a
donation; ask for the post
office; asking for you). 5 tr.
archaic require (a thing). øask
after inquire about (esp. a person). ask for it sl. invite
trouble. asking
price the price of an
object set by the
seller. ask me another colloq. I do
not know. for the asking (obtainable) for
nothing. I ask you! an
exclamation of
disgust,
surprise, etc. if
you ask me colloq. in my
opinion. øøasker n. [OE ascian etc. f. WG]