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Definition of desire
desired
;desiring
transitive verb
1 : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for desire success knew that men still desired her
2a : to express a wish for : request they desire an immediate answerb archaic : to express a wish to : ask desired them to reconsider
3 obsolete : invite
4 archaic : to feel the loss of
intransitive verb
: to have or feel desire They may come if they so desire.
From the M-W Editors
Examples of desire in a Sentence
He desired her approval more than anything.
The apartment has modern amenities, a great location—everything you could desire.
She knew that men still desired her.
Recent Examples of desire from the Web
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There is no RSVP needed for these free events, but the ice cream has to be purchased if desired.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and/or lime juice if desired.
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With sounds built-in, the rocker can be further customized through the SmartConnect app if desired.
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In response, Metro is now undergoing a massive study of ridership patterns and what patrons desire from the system.
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If a firmer consistency is desired, beat in additional confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup at a time.
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Wharton describes the evolution, and continual disappointment, of women’s desires over the course of their lives.
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Aesthetically, Archbishop Carroll's 11-8 victory against Strath Haven in the first round of the PIAA Class 3A girls' lacrosse playoffs left much to be desired for the Patriots players and coaches.
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In keeping with Lowry’s desires, the decorations at the memorial service were kept modest, with a small photo, two bouquets of flowers and a simple candle arrangement.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desire'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of desire
Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body
Synonym Discussion of desire
desire
Definition of desire
1 : conscious impulse (see 2impulse 3) toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment ridding oneself of all desires how humans process desire
2a : longing, craving teenagers' desire for independence … the inexpensive homebuilt craft that satisfy many people's desire to fly — James Fallowsb : sexual urge or appetite
3 : a usually formal request or petition for some action at the desire of one fifth of those present — U.S. Constitution
4 : something longed or hoped for : something desired You are my heart's desire.
Examples of desire in a Sentence
Desire is a common theme is music and literature.
The magazine tries to attend to the needs and desires of its readers.
Both sides feel a real desire for peace.
His decisions are guided by his desire for land.
They expressed a desire to go with us.
They have a desire to have children.
a strong desire to travel around the world
He was overcome with desire for her.
Recent Examples of desire from the Web
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City Council members were scheduled to meet Wednesday night, past the Valley Sun’s press deadline, to decide whether to confirm their desire to appoint an applicant or call a special election in November.
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Both dolls have always been a blank slate upon which children can project their desires, hopes and dreams.
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Acute mountain sickness, or AMS, resembles a hangover: headache, nausea, fatigue, the desire to curl up next to a rock with your rain jacket pulled over your head to block the sun.
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Federal officials again asserted that East Chicago residents' desire to have a formal role in court proceedings related to the U.S.S. Lead Superfund site is coming too late.
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In our desire to compare teams from different eras, Las Vegas has chimed in.
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Of course: People’s interests, not people’s desires.
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Mattis stepped down as head of U.S. Central Command in 2013 after disagreements with Obama’s White House over his desire to intensify the military response to Iranian activities in the Middle East.
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To start, Nora held a newspaper and looked into a video camera, stating her desire to leave this world.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desire'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of desire
see 1desire
Other Psychology Terms
DESIRE Defined for English Language Learners
desire
playDefinition of desire for English Language Learners
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: to want or wish for (something) : to feel desire for (something)
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: to want to have sex with (someone)
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: to express a wish for (something)
desire
Definition of desire for English Language Learners
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: the feeling of wanting something
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: a strong wish : a wish for something or to do something
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: a feeling of wanting to have sex with someone
DESIRE Defined for Kids
Law Dictionary
desire
Legal Definition of desire
desired
desiring
: to wish for earnestly — see also precatory
Additional Notes on desire
Courts have variously interpreted desire in wills to indicate either a direction of the testator that must be followed or merely an expression of what the testator hoped would happen.
Learn More about desire
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for desire Spanish Central: Translation of desire Nglish: Translation of desire for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of desire for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about desire
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