behest

Meaning

Noun

1. A command, bidding; sometimes also, an authoritative request; now usually in the phrase at the behest of.
2. (obsolete) A vow; a promise.

Verb

To promise; vow.

Synonyms

command

order

instruction

mandate

injunction

bidding

dictate

summons

commandment

bid

ultimatum

prescript

prescription

direction

monition

ordinance

precept

prescribe

requisition

writ

prohibition

assignation

word of advice

assignment

decree

demand

dictation

directive

edict

exhortation

fiat

imperative

interdict

interdiction

invitation

law

Pronounced as (IPA)

/bɪˈhɛst/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: biheste

Inherited from Old English: behǣs

Cognate with Old English: behātan

Cognate with Middle Low German: beheit

In summary

From Middle English biheste, from Old English behǣs (“vow, promise”), from Proto-West Germanic *bihaisi, from *bi- (“be-”) + *haisi (“command”), from Proto-Germanic *haisiz, from *haitaną (“to command”). Final -t by analogy with other similar words in -t. Related to Old English behātan (“to command, promise”), Middle Low German beheit, behēt (“a promise”). Compare also hest (“command”), hight.