a document signed by a large number of people demanding or asking for some action from the government or another authority

I signed a petition against the proposed closure of the local hospital today. 今天我在反对关闭当地医院的请愿书上签了名。

a formal letter to a law court asking for a particular legal action

She's filing a petition for divorce. 她将要递交离婚诉状。

to make a formal request for something, especially in a law court

They're petitioning for/about better facilities for disabled people. 他们正在请愿，希望当局能为残疾人安装更好的设施。

[ + obj + to infinitive ] I think we should petition the government to increase the grant for the project. 我认为我们应该请求政府增加对该项目的拨款。

She is petitioning for a re-trial. 她将上诉要求重审。