¹thirst

noun \ˈthərst\

: an uncomfortable feeling that is caused by the need for something to drink

: a very great need for something to drink

: a strong desire for something

Full Definition of THIRST

a : a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids; also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation

b : a desire or need to drink

: an ardent desire : craving, longing <a thirst for success>

See thirst defined for English-language learners

See thirst defined for kids

Origin of THIRST

Middle English, from Old English thurst; akin to Old High German durst thirst, Latin torrēre to dry, parch, Old Irish tart dryness, thirst, Greek tersesthai to become dry

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to THIRST

Synonyms: appetency, appetite, craving, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, jones [slang], letch, longing, lust, passion, pining, desire, thirstiness, urge, yearning, yen

Antonyms: apathy, indifference

Rhymes with THIRST

burst, cursed, erst, first, Hearst, verst, worst

²thirst

intransitive verb

: to have or feel a strong desire

Full Definition of THIRST

: to feel thirsty : suffer thirst

: to crave vehemently and urgently <thirsted for revenge> <thirsting> after justice

— thirst·er noun

First Known Use of THIRST

before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of THIRST

long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain <longed for some rest>. yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing <yearned for a stage career>. hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire <always hankering for money>. pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible <pined for a lost love>. hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need <hungered for a business of his own> <thirsted for power>.

THIRST Defined for Kids

¹thirst

noun \ˈthərst\

Definition of THIRST for Kids

: a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat that accompanies a need for liquids

: the bodily condition that produces thirst <die of thirst>

: a strong desire <a thirst for knowledge>

²thirst

verb

thirst·edthirst·ing

Definition of THIRST for Kids

: to feel a need for liquids

: to have a strong desire <They thirst for freedom.>

Medical Dictionary

thirst

noun \ˈthərst\

Medical Definition of THIRST

: a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids; also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation