crave

[ kreyv ]

/ kreɪv /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR crave ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), craved, crav·ing.

to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly: to crave sweets; to crave affection.

to require; need: a problem craving prompt attention.

to ask earnestly for (something); beg for.

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

verb (used without object), craved, crav·ing.

to beg or plead (usually followed by for).

Nearby words

craton, cratur, craunch, cravat, cravat bandage, crave, craveable, craven, craving, craw, craw-thumper

Origin of crave

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

SYNONYMS FOR crave

1 yearn for, hunger for.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR crave ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

crav·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for crave

The mad tend to crave it, many of the sane crave it, but the wise worry about its long-term side effects.
David Mitchell’s ‘The Bone Clocks’ Is Fun But Mostly Empty Calories|William O’Connor|September 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The irony in it all is that our bodies need, if not crave, Vitamin D—and more than a chewable tablet.
Is the Facekini the Future of Beachwear?|Justin Jones|August 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But no matter that difference, we crave to own and co-opt, rather than necessarily understand, it.
Memory Porn: America’s Obscene Anniversary Obsession|Tim Teeman|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The most popular dish is the totto spicy ramen, a standout for those who crave heat.
Underground Ramen’s Mainstream Moment|Sara Sayed|May 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I grew up in Matthews, North Carolina, and saw it as a very normal upbringing, so I crave normalcy and a slower pace.
Brooklyn Decker on Her ‘Horrible’ Modeling Experiences, Marriage, and Cracking Hollywood|Marlow Stern|April 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He does not crave many things, but he craves the enjoyment of the things that he has.
Selected Works of Voltairine de Cleyre|Voltairine de Cleyre
But I crave your pardon—it is so long since we have met, that I forgot you love no play-books.
Peveril of the Peak|Sir Walter Scott
We, poor prodigals, have been feeding long enough upon husks that the swine do eat, and crave a little nourishing food.
Atlantic Monthly, Vol. XII. July, 1863, No. LXIX.|Various
"I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with a bow, mastering his surprise.
The Fifth of November|Charles S. Bentley
May we crave leave to direct the attention of the reader for a very few minutes to the grounds on which we decide?
Leading Articles on Various Subjects|Hugh Miller

British Dictionary definitions for crave

crave

/ (kreɪv) /

verb

(when intr, foll by for or after) to desire intensely; long (for)

(tr) to need greatly or urgently

(tr) to beg or plead for

Derived Forms

craver, noun

Word Origin for crave

Old English crafian; related to Old Norse krefja to demand, krǣfr strong; see craft

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012