behest

UK: /bɪˈhɛst/ US: /bɪˈhɛst/ ,(bi hest′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•hest /bɪˈhɛst/   n. [countable* usually singular]

1. a command;
   directive:
   at the king's behest; at the behest of the king.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•hest  (bi hest′), n. 

1. a command or directive.
2. an earnest or strongly worded request.

• Middle English bihest(e), Old English behǣs promise. See be-, hest bef. 1000

Synonyms

• 1. order, bidding, decree, dictate, mandate.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

behest / bɪˈhɛst/ noun

1. an authoritative order or earnest request

Etymology: Old English behǣs, from behātan; see be-, hest