Main Entry:

re·quire

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

re·quired; re·quir·ing

Etymology:

Middle English requeren, from Anglo-French requere, from Vulgar Latin *requaerere to seek for, need, require, alteration of Latin requirere, from re- + quaerere to seek, ask

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to claim or ask for by right and authority barchaic : request2 a: to call for as suitable or appropriate <the occasion requires formal dress> b: to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for <all living beings require food>3: to impose a compulsion or command on : compel4chiefly British : to feel or be obliged —used with a following infinitive <one does not require to be a specialist — Elizabeth Bowen>intransitive verbarchaic : ask

synonyms see demand