Main Entry: ¹need

Pronunciation: \ˈnēd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ned, from Old English nīed, nēd; akin to Old High German nōt distress, need, Old Prussian nautin need

Date: before 12th century

1 : necessary duty : obligation
2 a : a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful b : a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
3 : a condition requiring supply or relief
4 : lack of the means of subsistence : poverty