Behest — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /bi-ˈhest/ be·hest

Meaning & Definition of Behest

Behest (noun)

  1. an authoritative order, command
  2. an urgent prompting

Behest (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

    "I only made the change at the author's behest"

    similar: charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
    related: demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute
    near: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Behest

The most common words with a similar meaning to Behest:

charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word

Related Words for Behest

demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute

Near Antonyms of Behest

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Origin & Etymology of Behest

Middle English, promise, command, from Old English behǣs promise, from behātan to promise, from be- + hātan to command, promise hight

First known use: 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Behest

at the behest of someone

Frequently Asked Questions about Behest

What does "Behest" mean?

"Behest" means an authoritative order, command. As a noun, it is defined as: an authoritative order, command.

What is another word for "Behest"?

Other words for "Behest" include charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive and do. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Behest" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Behest"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Behest". Common alternatives include charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict and imperative.

How do you use "Behest" in a sentence?

Examples of "Behest" in a sentence: "I only made the change at the author's behest".

Is "Behest" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Behest" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Behest"?

"Behest" is pronounced /bi-ˈhest/ and divided into syllables as be·hest.

What is the origin of the word "Behest"?

"Behest" comes from Middle English, promise, command, from Old English behǣs promise, from behātan to promise, from be- + hātan to command, promise hight. First known use: 12th century.

What is another word for "Behest" meaning "a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned"?

When "Behest" (noun) means a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned, synonyms include charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate and direction.