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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.
OTHER WORDS 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. 2022
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.
How to use desire in a sentence
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other 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.