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

In the years since, he has repeatedly expressed a desire to use soldiers to squash dissent.

From Salon

That tension — between editorial desire for a straightforward narrative and blurry reality — is made more complicated by herding, when polling firms toss results that don’t align with a dominant plotline.

From Salon

I found myself cooking more, out of both financial prudence and a desire to regain control of my meals.

From Salon

"We collaborate closely with news publishers, including in the display, attribution and links to their content in ChatGPT search, and offer them easy ways to opt out should they so desire."

From BBC

It is also worth noting that so far Russia's President Vladimir Putin has given absolutely no indication that he’s abandoned his desire to subjugate Ukraine entirely.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What are other ways to say desire?

To desire something or someone is to crave or long for them. How is desire different from want and wish? Find out on Thesaurus.com.