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DESIRE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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View synonyms for desire

desire

[ dih-zahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

desired, desiring.
  1. to wish or long for; crave; want.

    Synonyms: fancy, covet

  2. to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request:

    The mayor desires your presence at the next meeting.

    Synonyms: solicit



noun

  1. a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment:

    a desire for fame.

    Synonyms: thirst, appetite, hunger, aspiration

  2. an expressed wish; request.
  3. something desired.
  4. sexual appetite or a sexual urge.

desire

/ dɪˈzaɪə /

verb

  1. to wish or long for; crave; want
  2. to express a wish or make a request for; ask for
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a wish or longing; craving
  2. an expressed wish; request
  3. sexual appetite; lust
  4. a person or thing that is desired
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • deˈsirer, noun
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Other Words From

  • de·sired·ly [dih-, zahyuhrd, -lee, -, zahy, -rid-], adverb
  • de·siredness noun
  • de·sireless adjective
  • de·sirer noun
  • de·siring·ly adverb
  • over·de·sire noun
  • self-de·sire noun
  • unde·siring adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desire1

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English desiren, from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre; desiderate ( def )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desire1

C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre to desire earnestly; see desiderate
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Idioms and Phrases

see leave a lot to be desired .
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Synonym Study

Desire, craving, longing, yearning suggest feelings that impel one to the attainment or possession of something. Desire is a strong feeling, worthy or unworthy, that impels to the attainment or possession of something that is (in reality or imagination) within reach: a desire for success. Craving implies a deep and imperative wish for something, based on a sense of need and hunger: a craving for food, companionship. A longing is an intense wish, generally repeated or enduring, for something that is at the moment beyond reach but may be attainable at some future time: a longing to visit Europe. Yearning suggests persistent, uneasy, and sometimes wistful or tender longing: a yearning for one's native land.
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Example Sentences

But male desire has become an increasingly contested concept, not least because of the questions of power and domination often entangled within it.

From BBC

Despite all the political pressure on him, he was a host with a desire to please.

Wiener has made no secret of his desire for a congressional seat — specifically the one long occupied by Democratic powerbroker and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whenever she retires.

That desire to take up position in more dangerous areas does not appear to be detracting from Jesus' all-round game - certainly not against Palace.

From BBC

This rapid growth speaks not only to the deep desire for community, but to the significant boom of social running clubs in recent years.

From BBC

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When To Use

What are other ways to say desire?

To desire something or someone is to crave or long for them. How is desire different from want and wish? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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