importune

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/

verb

[with object]
  • harass (someone) persistently for or to do something: she importuned a waiter for profiteroles
  • (usually as noun importuning) approach (someone) to offer one’s services as a prostitute: they said they were arresting me for importuning

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French importuner or medieval Latin importunari, from Latin importunus 'inconvenient, unseasonable' (see importunate)