Behest -

A polite ask between equals (e.g., "At my request, he sent the file early").

While "request" and "behest" are related, the latter implies a power dynamic. If you do something at someone's behest, it is because they have a level of authority or significant influence over you. behest

An authoritative command (e.g., "At the CEO's behest, the meeting was rescheduled"). Usage and Etymology A polite ask between equals (e

You will almost always see this word used in the construction "at the behest of" or "at someone's behest" . An authoritative command (e

If "behest" feels too formal, you can use more direct English synonyms: What does 'at the behest of' mean? - Plain English

The word is an ancient and formal term that carries significantly more weight than a simple "request". It typically refers to an authoritative order or an urgent prompting. Understanding the Nuance