First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
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
1
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
See thirst defined for English-language learners
See thirst defined for kids
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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
Related to THIRST
2thirst
intransitive verb
: to have or feel a strong desire
Full Definition of THIRST
1
: to feel thirsty : suffer thirst
2
: 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>.
THIRSTER Defined for Kids
1thirst
noun \ˈthərst\
Definition of THIRST for Kids
1
: a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat that accompanies a need for liquids
2
: the bodily condition that produces thirst <die of thirst>
3
: a strong desire <a thirst for knowledge>
2thirst
verb
thirst·edthirst·ing
Definition of THIRST for Kids
1
: to feel a need for liquids
2
: 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
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