First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1desire
verb de·sire \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\
: to want or wish for (something) : to feel desire for (something)
: to want to have sex with (someone)
: to express a wish for (something)
de·siredde·sir·ing
Full Definition of DESIRE
transitive verb
1
: to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for <desire success>
2
3
obsolete : invite
4
archaic : to feel the loss of
intransitive verb
: to have or feel desire
See desire defined for English-language learners
See desire defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DESIRE
Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body
Related to DESIRE
- Synonyms
- ache (for), covet, crave, desiderate, die (for), hanker (for or after), hunger (for), itch (for), jones (for) [slang], long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), salivate (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), want, wish (for), yearn (for), yen (for), set one's heart on
Synonym Discussion of DESIRE
desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <desires to start a new life>. wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <wishes for permanent world peace>. want specifically suggests a felt need or lack <wants to have a family>. crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <craves sweets>. covet implies strong envious desire <covets his rise to fame>.
2desire
noun
: the feeling of wanting something
: a strong wish : a wish for something or to do something
: a feeling of wanting to have sex with someone
Full Definition of DESIRE
1
: conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment
3
: a usually formal request or petition for some action
4
: something desired
See desire defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DESIRE
14th century
Related to DESIRE
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with DESIRE
DESIRED Defined for Kids
1desire
verb de·sire \di-ˈzīr\
de·siredde·sir·ing
Definition of DESIRE for Kids
1
: to long for : wish for in earnest <Both sides desire peace.>
2
: to express a wish for : request <The council desires an immediate response.>
Synonym Discussion of DESIRE
desire, wish, and crave mean to want something very much. desire is used when a person has a great feeling for and actually strives to get what is wanted. <The immigrants desired a better life.> wish is used when a person wants something that he or she has little or no chance of getting. <He foolishly sat around and wished for wealth.> crave is used for the force of physical or mental needs. <The hungry dogs craved food.>
2desire
noun
Definition of DESIRE for Kids
1
: a strong wish : longing <a desire for companionship>
2
: something longed for <It was his heart's desire to return home.>
Learn More About DESIRE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up desire? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).