First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
require
verb re·quire \ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r\
: to need (something)
: to make it necessary for someone to do something
re·quiredre·quir·ing
Full Definition of REQUIRE
transitive verb
1
a : to claim or ask for by right and authority b archaic : request
2
a : to call for as suitable or appropriate <the occasion requires formal dress> b : to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for <all living beings require food>
3
: to impose a compulsion or command on : compel
4
chiefly British : to feel or be obliged —used with a following infinitive <one does not require to be a specialist — Elizabeth Bowen>
intransitive verb
archaic : ask
See require defined for English-language learners
See require defined for kids
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Origin of REQUIRE
Middle English requeren, from Anglo-French requere, from Vulgar Latin *requaerere to seek for, need, require, alteration of Latin requirere, from re- + quaerere to seek, ask
Related to REQUIRE
Synonym Discussion of REQUIRE
demand, claim, require, exact mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary. demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands <demanded payment of the debt>. claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right <claimed the right to manage his own affairs>. require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation <the patient requires constant attention>. exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands <exacts absolute loyalty>.
Rhymes with REQUIRE
REQUIRE Defined for Kids
require
verb re·quire \ri-ˈkwīr\
re·quiredre·quir·ing
Definition of REQUIRE for Kids
1
: to have a need for <This trick requires skill.>
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