desire

¹de·sire

verb \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\

de·siredde·sir·ing

Definition of DESIRE

transitive verb

1

: to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for <desire success>

2

a : to express a wish for : request <they desire an immediate answer> b archaic : to express a wish to : ask

3

obsolete : invite

4

archaic : to feel the loss of

intransitive verb

: to have or feel desire

Examples of DESIRE

1. He desired her approval more than anything.
2. The apartment has modern amenities, a great location—everything you could desire.
3. She knew that men still desired her.

Origin of DESIRE

Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DESIRE

Synonyms: ache (for), covet, crave, desiderate, die (for), hanker (for or after), hunger (for), itch (for), jones (for) [slang], long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), salivate (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), want, wish (for), yearn (for), yen (for), set one's heart on

Related Words: spoil (for); adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), like, love, relish, revel (in); favor, prefer; admire, appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value

Near Antonyms: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe; decline, refuse, reject, spurn

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of DESIRE

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <desires to start a new life>. wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <wishes for permanent world peace>. want specifically suggests a felt need or lack <wants to have a family>. crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <craves sweets>. covet implies strong envious desire <covets his rise to fame>.