desire

[ dih-zahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

, de·sired, de·sir·ing.

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

noun

1. a wish or longing; craving
2. an expressed wish; request
3. sexual appetite; lust
4. a person or thing that is desired

Derived Forms

• deˈsirer, noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see leave a lot to be desired .

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.

Example Sentences

Does the current ageing squad - with nine over 30s - still have the desire and capability to push again or is it time to start building again?

From BBC

That desire for escapism has been Murray’s driving force since childhood.

From Los Angeles Times

In one early scene, she voices her preference for maneuvering around Shiz University, where she’s just enrolled, without help — a desire wholly understood by her sister, if not their overbearing father or the campus staff.

From Los Angeles Times

Far more common in the religious right is a belief that men are incapable of controlling their desires.

From Salon

In love, it can be terrifying to show all your cards, to make yourself vulnerable, to let your desire be fully seen.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ambition
• appetite
• aspiration
• craving
• devotion
• eagerness
• fascination
• greed
• hunger
• inclination
• love
• lust
• motive
• need
• passion
• thirst
• will
• wish
• yearning

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.