C2nounformalpoliticshistory
US/bɪˈhest/
UK/bɪˈhest/
a request or order from someone with power, used mainly in formal writing
In context
The meeting was held at the behest of the prime minister.
Critics claim the law was changed at the behest of large developers.
At his father's behest, he studied law instead of music.
Words that go with behest
noun + preposition
- at the behest ofThe report was written at the behest of the European Union.
- at their behestThe rules were quietly changed at their behest.
- at his behestThe changes to the report were made at his behest.
- at whose behestReporters asked at whose behest the meeting had been canceled.
verb + preposition
- acting at the behestThe lawyers were acting at the behest of a foreign company.