hanker
[ hang-ker ]
/ ˈhæŋ kər /
verb (used without object)
to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).
Nearby words
Origin of hanker
1595–1605; < early Dutch dialect hankeren (cognate with Dutch hunkeren), frequentative of hangen to hang
Related formshan·ker·er, noun
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Examples from the Web for hanker
British Dictionary definitions for hanker
hanker
/ (ˈhæŋkə) /
verb
(foll by for, after, or an infinitive) to have a yearning (for something or to do something)
Derived Formshankering, noun
Word Origin for hanker
C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for hanker
hanker
c.1600, of unknown origin, probably from Flemish hankeren, related to Dutch hunkeren "to hanker," of unknown origin; perhaps an intensive of Middle Dutch hangen "to hang" (see hang (v.)). If so, the notion is of "lingering about" with longing or craving. Related: Hankered; hankering.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper