desire

I. verb (desired; desiring) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. to long or hope for ; exhibit or feel desire for <

desire success

> 2. a. to express a wish for ; request <

they desire an immediate answer

> b. archaic to express a wish to ; ask 3. obsolete invite 4. archaic to feel the loss of intransitive verb to have or feel desire Synonyms: desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <

desires to start a new life

>. wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <

wishes for permanent world peace

>. want specifically suggests a felt need or lack <

wants to have a family

>. crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <

craves sweets

>. covet implies strong envious desire <

covets his rise to fame

>. II. noun Date: 14th century 1. conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment 2. a. longing, craving b. sexual urge or appetite 3. a usually formal request or petition for some action 4. something desired