thirst

¹thirst

noun \ˈthərst\

Definition of THIRST

1

a : a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids; also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation

b : a desire or need to drink

2

: an ardent desire : craving, longing <a thirst for success>

Examples of THIRST

1. <his thirst for knowledge is evident in his book-filled house>
2. <an unquenchable thirst for travel that has led her to the far corners of the globe>

Origin of THIRST

Middle English, from Old English thurst; akin to Old High German durst thirst, Latin torrēre to dry, parch, Old Irish tart dryness, thirst, Greek tersesthai to become dry

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to THIRST

Synonyms

appetency, appetite, craving, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, jones [slang], letch, longing, lust, passion, pining, desire, thirstiness, urge, yearning, yen

Antonyms

apathy, indifference

Related Words

compulsion, impulse, impulsion, will, zeal; liking, love, taste, weakness; eagerness, impatience; want, wish; necessity, need, requirement; obsession; acquisitiveness, avarice, avariciousness, avidity, covetousness, cupidity, greed, greediness, rapaciousness, rapacity; cacoëthes, mania

Near Antonyms

abhorrence, abomination, allergy, averseness, aversion, disfavor, disgust, disinclination, dislike, disliking, distaste, hatred, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; apathy, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern

Rhymes with THIRST

burst, cursed, erst, first, Hearst, verst, worst

²thirst

intransitive verb

Definition of THIRST

1

: to feel thirsty : suffer thirst

2

: to crave vehemently and urgently <thirsted for revenge> <thirsting> after justice

— thirst·er noun

First Known Use of THIRST

before 12th century

thirst

noun \ˈthərst\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of THIRST

: a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids; also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation