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 Synonym Discussion at desire

Rhymes with WISH

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

²wish

noun

Definition of WISH

1

a : an act or instance of wishing or desire : want <a wish to travel>

b : an object of desire : goal

2

a : an expressed will or desire : mandate

b : a request or command couched as a wish

3

: an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone

Examples of WISH

1. He has a wish to be reunited with his son.
2. The genie will grant you three wishes.
3. Send her my good wishes.

First Known Use of WISH

14th century