demand

²demand

verb

Definition of DEMAND

intransitive verb

: to make a demand : ask

transitive verb

1

: to ask or call for with authority : claim as due or just <demanded to see a lawyer>

2

: to call for urgently, peremptorily, or insistently <demanded that the rioters disperse>

3

a : to ask authoritatively or earnestly to be informed of <demand the reason for the dismissal> b : to require to come : summon

4

: to call for as useful or necessary <etiquette demands a handwritten thank-you>

— de·mand·able \-ˈman-də-bəl\ adjective

— de·mand·er noun

Examples of DEMAND

1. The customer demanded a refund.
2. Parents have demanded that the teacher resign.
3. The reporter demanded to see the documents.
4. I demand to know what is going on here!
5. “Come here at once!” he demanded.
6. “Why won't you answer me?” she demanded.
7. The situation demands immediate action.

Origin of DEMAND

Middle English demaunden, from Anglo-French demander, from Medieval Latin demandare, from Latin, to entrust, charge, from de- + mandare to enjoin — more at mandate

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DEMAND

Synonyms: call (for), claim, clamor (for), command, enjoin, exact, insist (on), press (for), quest, stipulate (for)

Antonyms: have, hold

Related Words: ask, plead (for), request, want; cry (for), necessitate, need, require, take, warrant; requisition; impose; badger, dun, harass, hound

Near Antonyms: give up, relinquish, surrender, yield

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of DEMAND

demand, claim, require, exact mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary. demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands <demanded payment of the debt>. claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right <claimed the right to manage his own affairs>. require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation <the patient requires constant attention>. exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands <exacts absolute loyalty>.