hanker

[ hang-ker ]

verb (used without object)

1. to have a restless or incessant longing (often followed by after, for, or an infinitive).

hanker

/ ˈhæŋkə /

verb

1. foll byfor, after, or an infinitive to have a yearning (for something or to do something)

Derived Forms

• ˈhankering, noun

Other Words From

• hanker·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanker¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from early Dutch dialect hankeren (cognate with Dutch hunkeren ), frequentative of hangen “to hang”; hang

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanker¹

C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren

Synonym Study

See yearn.

Example Sentences

Love brings exactly the type of fresh-faced diversity the GOP, and by extension, She-PAC desperately hanker for.

From The Daily Beast

I've seen just enough of flying fishes to hanker after Mandalay, just enough of Spaniards to long for a sight of Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't hanker much after the dry job of pumping the colonel," he added, winking at Clifford significantly.

From Project Gutenberg

What I really hanker for is to be a painter; and of portraits, on the whole, I think.

From Project Gutenberg

I certainly do hanker for about four or five little curly-headed rascals to take on my knee.

From Project Gutenberg

If there was one thing he did hanker after, it was southernwood; but he couldn't see her grubbin' up things that way.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crave
• itch
• yearn