thirst

[thurst]

noun

1. a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat caused by need of liquid.

2. the physical condition resulting from this need, in any of various degrees.

   They almost died of thirst.

3. strong or eager desire; craving.

   a thirst for knowledge.

verb (used without object)

1. to feel thirst; be thirsty.

2. to have a strong desire.

thirst

/ θɜːst /

noun

1. a craving to drink, accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat

2. an eager longing, craving, or yearning

   a thirst for knowledge

verb

1. (intr) to feel a thirst

   to thirst for a drink

   to thirst after righteousness

Other Word Forms

• thirster noun
• unthirsting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirst¹

before 900; Middle English thirsten (v.), Old English thyrstan, derivative of thurst (noun); cognate with Dutch dorst, German Durst, Old Norse thorsti, Gothic thaurstei; noun has -i- from the v. or from thirsty; toast ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirst¹

Old English thyrstan, from thurst thirst; related to Old Norse thyrsta to thirst, Old High German dursten to thirst, Latin torrēre to parch

Example Sentences

I feel an intense thirst scratching at my throat.

Read more on Literature

Despite waves of Carthaginian resistance and the increasing hostility of Roman elites, who resented his precocious record and thirst for glory, Scipio tightened the noose around Carthage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Consumer tastes have changed dramatically since Coke’s heyday, and Vita Coco has responded with a product mix that should quench investors’ thirst for growth and reasonable value.

Read more on Barron's

He recalled being shown his great-grandfather's medals and eventually developed the thirst for more knowledge.

Read more on BBC

In June, the American businessman spoke of the club being "impatient" in their thirst for success as £20m of investment was announced.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• appetite 
• desire 
• eagerness 
• hankering 
• hunger 
• longing 
• lust 
• passion 
• yearning