behest

Behest is a noun meaning a command, directive, or urgent request. It is most often used to describe an order issued by someone in authority or a strong recommendation that is expected to be followed. The phrase at the behest of someone means at that person's command or request. In modern usage it can carry a formal, sometimes archaic tone, and appears frequently in historical, political, or legal writing.

Etymology traces to Old English, from a form of be- plus hest, with hest meaning command or order. The be- prefix adds emphasis, and the modern noun emerged in Middle English, retaining its formal nuance for many contexts.

Usage notes: behest is a noun rather than a verb; there is no standard verb “to behest.” One would instead say that something was done or carried out at someone’s behest or at the behest of a committee. It often appears in formal writing and can convey authority, obligation, or a strongly urged action.

Examples:

- The project was undertaken at the behest of the city council.

- The report was released at the behest of the sponsors.

- The policy changes were adopted at the behest of his constituents.

See also: mandate, injunction, directive, edict, instruction, request.