thirst

[ thurst ]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to feel thirst; be thirsty.
2. to have a strong desire.

thirst

/ 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

verb

1. intr to feel a thirst

   to thirst for a drink

   to thirst after righteousness

Other Words From

• thirster noun
• un·thirsting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirst¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirst¹

Old English thyrstan, from thurst thirst; related to Old Norse thyrsta to thirst, Old High German dursten to thirst, Latin torrēre to parch

Example Sentences

“I wasn’t campaigning for it, but I was thirsting for something different, completely removed from the work I had been doing up to that point,” Jenkins said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Jake Paul may know something that we as a society are reluctant to admit: we thirst for a race conflict, even if the conflict comes in a boxing ring.

From Salon

And when glass ceilings for women in music were hit, you could understand her thirst to make every idea and new discipline count, and the penchant for excess that went with it.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was successful in stopping the bill tonight, when a 2/3 vote was required, but undoubtably it will be back because Trump’s thirst for unlimited power can never be quenched," he wrote on X.

From Salon

The parents of Hugo said their son had a "thirst for life".

From BBC

Related Words

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