desire

play

verb de·sire \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\

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.

See desire defined for English-language learners

See desire defined for kids

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.

Origin and Etymology of desire

Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body

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First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of desire

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim. desires to start a new life wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable. wishes for permanent world peace want specifically suggests a felt need or lack. wants to have a family crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need. craves sweets covet implies strong envious desire. covets his rise to fame

desire

noun de·sire

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.

See desire defined for English-language learners

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.

Origin and Etymology of desire

see ¹desire

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

DESIRE Defined for English Language Learners

desire

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verb

Definition of desire for English Language Learners

: to want or wish for (something) : to feel desire for (something)
: to want to have sex with (someone)
: to express a wish for (something)

desire

noun

Definition of desire for English Language Learners

: the feeling of wanting something
: a strong wish : a wish for something or to do something
: a feeling of wanting to have sex with someone

DESIRE Defined for Kids

desire

play

verb de·sire \di-ˈzīr\

Definition of desire for Students

desired

;

desiring

1 : to long for : wish for in earnest Both sides desire peace.
2 : to express a wish for : request The council desires an immediate response.

desire

play

noun de·sire

Definition of desire for Students

1 : a strong wish : longing a desire for companionship
2 : something longed for It was his heart's desire to return home.

Law Dictionary

desire

transitive verb de·sire

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.