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 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 answer to that question is a resounding “Yes,” but comes with a twist — the romance does not last, as the latter’s privileged background and thirst for revenge combine to make her a more-than-willing instrument for totalitarianism.

From Salon

This would not be possible if his audience did not already thirst for the spectacle of Trump’s cruelty — a grotesque panorama of cities overrun by thieves, murderers and criminally insane, sapping the marrow of the law that once made America safe for white collar felons like Trump.

From Salon

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

From BBC

But hunger was nothing compared to thirst.

From BBC

Related Words

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