wish

¹wish

verb \ˈwish\

Definition of WISH

transitive verb

1

: to have a desire for (as something unattainable) <wished he could live his life over>

2

: to give expression to as a wish : bid <wish them good night>

3

a : to give form to (a wish) b : to express a wish for c : to request in the form of a wish : order d : to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified <cannot wish our problems away>

4

: to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist

intransitive verb

1

: to have a desire : want <wishing for more>

2

: to make a wish <wish on a falling star>

— wish·er noun

Examples of WISH

1. You may use the telephone, if you wish.
2. She wished them a happy New Year.
3. We wish you a Merry Christmas.

Origin of WISH

Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for — more at win

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WISH

Synonyms: fob off, palm, palm off, pass off, foist

Related Words: entail, force, impose, inflict; counterfeit, fake, forge; distort, falsify, misrepresent

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at desire

Rhymes with WISH

dish, fiche, fish, flysch, Gish, Nis, pish, squish, swish, whish