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 verb 1 a : to claim or ask for by right and authority b archaic : request
2 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 : compel
4 chiefly British : to feel or be obliged —used with a following infinitive <one does not require to be a specialist — Elizabeth Bowen>intransitive verb archaic : ask

synonyms see demand