thirst

American  

[thurst] / θɜrst /

noun

1. a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat caused by need of liquid.

2. the physical condition resulting from this need, in any of various degrees.

   They almost died of thirst.

3. strong or eager desire; craving.

   a thirst for knowledge.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to feel thirst; be thirsty.

2. to have a strong desire.

thirst British  

/ θɜːst /

noun

1. a craving to drink, accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat

2. an eager longing, craving, or yearning

   a thirst for knowledge

---

verb

1. (intr) to feel a thirst

   to thirst for a drink

   to thirst after righteousness

Other Word Forms

• thirster noun
• unthirsting adjective

Etymology

Origin of thirst

before 900; Middle English thirsten (v.), Old English thyrstan, derivative of thurst (noun); cognate with Dutch dorst, German Durst, Old Norse thorsti, Gothic thaurstei; noun has -i- from the v. or from thirsty; toast ¹

Example Sentences

And certainly “Arcadia,” Mr. Stoppard’s time-traveling story that embraces the history of English gardens, advanced mathematics, Lord Byron and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge, ranks high among the great plays of the past several decades.

From The Wall Street Journal

An investment boom in artificial intelligence is creating a thirst for massive data centers—and a bonanza for the workers building them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite waves of Carthaginian resistance and the increasing hostility of Roman elites, who resented his precocious record and thirst for glory, Scipio tightened the noose around Carthage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consumer tastes have changed dramatically since Coke’s heyday, and Vita Coco has responded with a product mix that should quench investors’ thirst for growth and reasonable value.

From Barron's

He recalled being shown his great-grandfather's medals and eventually developed the thirst for more knowledge.

From BBC

Related Words

• appetite
• desire
• eagerness
• hankering
• hunger
• longing
• lust
• passion
• yearning