crave

[ kreyv ]

verb (used with object)

, craved, crav·ing.

1. to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly:

   to crave sweets; to crave affection.

2. to require; need:

   a problem craving prompt attention.

3. to ask earnestly for (something); beg for.
4. to ask (a person) earnestly for something or to do something.

verb (used without object)

, craved, crav·ing.

1. to beg or plead (usually followed by for ).

crave

/ kreɪv /

verb

1. whenintr, foll by for or after to desire intensely; long (for)
2. tr to need greatly or urgently
3. tr to beg or plead for

Derived Forms

• ˈcraver, noun

Other Words From

• craver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crave¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English craven, Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja “to demand, lay claim to”

Word History and Origins

Origin of crave¹

Old English crafian; related to Old Norse krefja to demand, krǣfr strong; see craft

Example Sentences

“They’re very limited, so that’s why you want it. You kind of crave it.”

From Los Angeles Times

People crave a godlike father figure, Freud explained, especially when they feel threatened with the eruption of two dangers: “the crushingly superior force of nature … and the shortcomings of society which have made themselves painfully felt.”

From Slate

And by doing so she’ll signal that she respects his audience — a respect they crave, even if they have to keep up the public act and pretend not to care.

From Salon

Audiences crave the excitement that discourse about tax rates and border policy can't provide.

From Salon

If you crave a bite, climb the steps beyond the point and turn left, passing the hermitage gardens as you go toward Swami’s Cafe for an acai bowl.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• covet
• cry out for
• fancy
• lust after