吁求 is a formal, literary verb meaning 'to plead for' or 'to beg for'—typically with urgency, sincerity, or moral weight. The first character 吁 (xū) originally depicts an exclamation or cry, often expressing distress or appeal; the second character 求 (qiú) means 'to seek' or 'to request.' Together, they convey a heartfelt, sometimes public or collective appeal—not casual asking, but earnest entreaty, often directed at authorities, society, or higher powers.

This word appears frequently in written Chinese: news reports on social issues, advocacy campaigns, literary descriptions of suffering, or speeches calling for justice or compassion. It carries emotional gravity and implies vulnerability or moral conviction. While grammatically it functions as a transitive verb (e.g., 吁求帮助), it’s rarely used in everyday spoken conversation—native speakers prefer simpler verbs like 请求 or 哀求 in informal contexts.