Solicit (verb)

1. To make a request or an appeal for something.
2. To make a formal application for something.
3. To seek to obtain something by persuasion or influence.
4. To try to persuade someone to do something.
5. To make advances to someone with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin solicitare, from sollicitus "anxious" (from sollus "whole" + citus "moved", past participle of ciere), or from the latin phrase sollecitare "to excite".

Examples:

1. She solicited donations for the charity.
2. The company solicited bids for the project.
3. He solicited her opinion on the matter.
4. She solicited support for the candidate.
5. He was arrested for soliciting a prostitute.