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

In an effort not to lose this handsome young man, Lee convinces Allerton to join him on a road trip through Latin America in search of yagé, a drug Lee craves.

From Salon

The movie, which had a budget of nearly $200 million, comes as moviegoers have been craving engaging fare for the entire family and movies running less than two hours.

From Los Angeles Times

They’ll receive a spacious home in a better section of Tehran, and maybe they can finally buy that dishwasher Najmeh has been craving.

From Los Angeles Times

They can satisfy our cravings, expand our culinary horizons and help us eat things that we might normally dislike.

From Salon

I craved a safe place where I could explore that part of myself and other people — play, in a very childlike sense of the word.

From New York Times

Related Words

• covet
• cry out for
• fancy
• lust after