pleads
v.v. to make an emotional request for something you need very much. It can also mean to state in a court of law whether you are guilty or not guilty.
v. to make an earnest or urgent appeal; in a legal context, to enter a formal statement of guilt or innocence. Often takes the preposition 'with' for the person or 'for' for the object of the request.
He pleads with his boss for one more chance.
The defendant usually pleads not guilty at the start of a trial to ensure the prosecution proves its case.
The charity pleads for immediate international aid, warning that the current food supplies will not last through the winter without significant external intervention.
The verb is often followed by 'with' (person) or 'for' (thing). In legal contexts, it is typically followed by an adjective like 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.
He pleads for his innocenceHe pleads his innocenceWhen asserting a legal state like innocence or guilt, the verb is transitive and does not require 'for'.