Main Entry: ¹de·sire

Pronunciation: \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): de·sired; de·sir·ing

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

Date: 13th century

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 ofintransitive verb : to have or feel desire

synonyms 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>.