Main Entry: ¹want

Pronunciation: \ˈwȯnt also ˈwänt & ˈwənt\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse vanta; akin to Old English wan deficient

Date: 13th century

intransitive verb 1 : to be needy or destitute
2 : to have or feel need <never wants for friends>
3 : to be necessary or needed
4 : to desire to come, go, or be <the cat wants in> <wants out of the deal>transitive verb 1 : to fail to possess especially in customary or required amount : lack <the answer wanted courtesy>
2 a : to have a strong desire for <wanted a chance to rest> b : to have an inclination to : like <say what you want, he is efficient>
3 a : to have need of : require <the motor wants a tune-up> b : to suffer from the lack of <thousands still want food and shelter>
4 : ought —used with the infinitive <you want to be very careful what you say — Claudia Cassidy>
5 : to wish or demand the presence of
6 : to hunt or seek in order to apprehend <wanted for murder>

synonyms see desire