v.
    - say something in order to obtain an answer or information:![]()  I asked her what she meant. ▸
(ask after or Scottish for)
 Brit. enquire about the well-being of. 
- say to (someone) that one wants them to do or give something. ▸say that one wants permission to do something. ▸
(ask for)
 say that one wants to speak to. ▸say that one wants (a specified amount) as a price for selling something. 
- expect or demand (something) of someone:![]()  it's asking a lot, but could you look through Billy's things? 
- invite to a social occasion. ▸
(ask someone out)
 invite someone out on a date. 
n.
 US the asking price of a financial security.
Phrase
  
    - a big ask
 informal a difficult demand to fulfil.
- for the asking
 for little or no effort or cost.
- I ask you!
 informal an exclamation of shock or disapproval.
 
  Derivative
  
  Etymology
  OE āscian, āhsian, āxian, of W. Gmc origin.