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

As hunger and thirst slowly receded, exhaustion finally loosened the grip of dread that had held me rigid all day.

From Literature

“It’s like the Roman Colosseum, with the roar of the crowd, the thirst for a powerful hit. It is incredibly emblematic of what America is in a lot of different ways.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It appeared to be the same one — and to have died of thirst, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s a hunger and thirst for information that I do not think will be satisfied by the review of these documents.”

From The Wall Street Journal

China’s small teapot refiners, which the fleet supplies, have less exposure to sanctions and their thirst for discounted crude makes Iranian barrels attractive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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