desire

[ dih-zahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

, de·sired, de·sir·ing.

1. to wish or long for; crave; want.

   Synonyms: fancy, covet

2. to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request:

   The mayor desires your presence at the next meeting.

   Synonyms: solicit

noun

1. a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment:

   a desire for fame.

   Synonyms: thirst, appetite, hunger, aspiration

2. an expressed wish; request.
3. something desired.
4. sexual appetite or a sexual urge.

desire

/ dɪˈzaɪə /

verb

1. to wish or long for; crave; want
2. to express a wish or make a request for; ask for

noun

1. a wish or longing; craving
2. an expressed wish; request
3. sexual appetite; lust
4. a person or thing that is desired

Derived Forms

• deˈsirer, noun

Other Words From

• de·sired·ly [dih-, zahyuhrd, -lee, -, zahy, -rid-], adverb
• de·siredness noun
• de·sireless adjective
• de·sirer noun
• de·siring·ly adverb
• over·de·sire noun
• self-de·sire noun
• unde·siring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English desiren, from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre; desiderate ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre to desire earnestly; see desiderate

Idioms and Phrases

see leave a lot to be desired .

Synonym Study

Desire, craving, longing, yearning suggest feelings that impel one to the attainment or possession of something. Desire is a strong feeling, worthy or unworthy, that impels to the attainment or possession of something that is (in reality or imagination) within reach: a desire for success. Craving implies a deep and imperative wish for something, based on a sense of need and hunger: a craving for food, companionship. A longing is an intense wish, generally repeated or enduring, for something that is at the moment beyond reach but may be attainable at some future time: a longing to visit Europe. Yearning suggests persistent, uneasy, and sometimes wistful or tender longing: a yearning for one's native land.

Example Sentences

While liberal in her own beliefs, the speaker has routinely put the needs of her so-called Majority Makers over the desires of the left.

From Washington Post

Lorson told Voice of San Diego she’s heard some folks mention desire for community forums but is concerned about coronavirus social distancing regulations and said some people may not be comfortable voicing their opinions in a public setting.

From Voice of San Diego

A massive number of voters are expected to vote by mail, at least partially driven by a desire to avoid contracting the coronavirus.

From Fortune

It often feels like one is talking to a human with beliefs and desires.

From Nautilus

They evinced a pervasive desire to be involved in shaping solutions in the long-term interests of the organizations.

From Quartz

Obviously, not all the original cast can come back or even have the desire.

From The Daily Beast

Like many I spoke to, Williams seemed to desire a reorientation of policing, rather than just a reduction.

From The Daily Beast

This is a testament to the fundamental human—and American—desire to combine place and possibility.

From The Daily Beast

But I have no desire to go on casting calls or any of that stuff.

From The Daily Beast

“We have always had every desire to let the American public see this movie,” Lynton said.

From The Daily Beast

With every allusion that Ramona made to the saints' statues, Alessandro's desire to procure one for her deepened.

From Project Gutenberg

To others the fierce desire for social justice obliterates all fear of a general catastrophe.

From Project Gutenberg

As Perker said this, he looked towards the door, with an evident desire to render the leave-taking as brief as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

"She used to be so well—so bright," said Angela, who also appeared to have the desire to say something kind and comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

What more could one desire of him, I pray, Than just to hop around and stand for K?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ambition
• appetite
• aspiration
• craving
• devotion
• eagerness
• fascination
• greed
• hunger
• inclination
• love
• lust
• motive
• need
• passion
• thirst
• will
• wish
• yearning

When To Use

What are other ways to say desire?

To desire something or someone is to crave or long for them. How is desire different from want and wish? Find out on Thesaurus.com.