crave

American  

[kreyv] / kreɪv /

verb (used with object)

craved, craving

1. to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly.

   to crave sweets; to crave affection.

2. to require; need.

   a problem craving prompt attention.

3. to ask earnestly for (something); beg for.

4. to ask (a person) earnestly for something or to do something.

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verb (used without object)

craved, craving

1. to beg or plead (usually followed byfor ).

crave British  

/ kreɪv /

verb

1. to desire intensely; long (for)

2. (tr) to need greatly or urgently

3. (tr) to beg or plead for

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Other Word Forms

• craver noun

Etymology

Origin of crave

First recorded before 1000; Middle English craven, Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja “to demand, lay claim to”

Example Sentences

Hackman was known as an actor’s actor, sought out by movie stars and top directors who craved the experience of working with him.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I realize now that was what she was craving: a bond, a connection to her family. It’s what she needed to do,” Cathy Penrod said.

From Los Angeles Times

Lidleena said: "We are the people that people look forward to coming back on the stage, and when we leave the stage, they crave for us to come back."

From BBC

China’s Communist Party has craved military self-sufficiency since taking power in 1949.

From The Wall Street Journal

She says feedback from her clients has been largely positive, with many craving calmer, more restorative spaces.

From BBC

Related Words

• covet
• cry out for
• fancy
• lust after