yearn

yearn

verb \ˈyərn\

Definition of YEARN

intransitive verb

1

: to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly <yearns to make a difference>

2

: to feel tenderness or compassion

— yearn·er noun

— yearn·ing·ly \ˈyər-niŋ-lē\ adverb

Origin of YEARN

Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German gerōn to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with YEARN

Bern, burn, churn, earn, erne, fern, kern, learn, pirn, quern, spurn, stern, tern, terne, turn, urn