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

a : to claim or ask for by right and authority

b archaic : request

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>

: to impose a compulsion or command on : compel

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

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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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REQUIRE

Synonyms: bear, challenge, claim, demand, necessitate, need, take, want, warrant

Antonyms: have, hold

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>.