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

I get the desire to preserve an ambitious live show for posterity.

From Los Angeles Times

The bromance between Musk and Trump has spawned clever memes about how long the relationship can withstand both men’s desire to be in charge.

From Los Angeles Times

That desire resulted in “The Fall,” which will be part of the first batch of episodes to roll out digitally Thursday and will be broadcast on PBS on Nov. 21.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts went on to say that his desire to transform America was rooted in childhood trauma.

From Salon

Roberts cited vague notions of “self-government” as the driving force in his desire for the United States to confront China.

From Salon

Related Words

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