desire
[ dih-zahyuhr ]
/ dɪˈzaɪər /
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verb (used with object), de·sired, de·sir·ing.
noun
a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment: a desire for fame.
an expressed wish; request.
something desired.
sexual appetite or a sexual urge.
SYNONYMS FOR desire
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Origin of desire
synonym study for desire
3. 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.
OTHER WORDS FROM desire
Words nearby desire
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for desire
British Dictionary definitions for desire
desire
/ (dɪˈzaɪə) /
verb (tr)
to wish or long for; crave; want
to express a wish or make a request for; ask for
noun
a wish or longing; craving
an expressed wish; request
sexual appetite; lust
a person or thing that is desired
Other words from desire
Related adjective: orecticDerived forms of desire
desirer, nounWord Origin for desire
C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre to desire earnestly; see desiderate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Idioms and Phrases with desire
desire
see leave a lot to be desired.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.