thirst

American  

[thurst] / θɜrst /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to feel thirst; be thirsty.

2. to have a strong desire.

thirst British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) to feel a thirst

   to thirst for a drink

   to thirst after righteousness

Other Word Forms

• thirster noun
• unthirsting adjective

Etymology

Origin of thirst

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

Example Sentences

Speaking to reporters before the ceremony, he urged investigators to establish what happened, saying: "We all thirst for truth, and for these things to never happen again."

From Barron's

The thirst for power has a way of corrupting even the most idealistic hearts, alas.

From Los Angeles Times

Another became delirious with hunger, thirst and the cold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Electrolyte drinks can also increase thirst, which may help some people drink more which is necessary during long exercise periods.

From BBC

Even a recurrent but unadorned lyric like “I hunger and thirst” becomes an instant earworm.

From Salon

Related Words

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