First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wish
verb \ˈwish\
: to want (something) to be true or to happen
: to want or ask to do (something)
: to want (someone) to be in a particular state
Full Definition of WISH
transitive verb
1
: to have a desire for (as something unattainable) <wished he could live his life over>
2
: to give expression to as a wish : bid <wish them good night>
3
a : to give form to (a wish) b : to express a wish for c : to request in the form of a wish : order d : to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified <cannot wish our problems away>
4
: to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist
intransitive verb
1
: to have a desire : want <wishing for more>
2
: to make a wish <wish on a falling star>
— wish·er noun
See wish defined for English-language learners
See wish defined for kids
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Origin of WISH
Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for — more at win
Synonym Discussion of WISH
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>.
2wish
noun
: a desire for something to happen or be done : a feeling of wanting to do or have something
: an act of thinking about something that you want and hoping that you will get it or that it will happen in some magical way
wishes : good thoughts or feelings directed toward a person
Full Definition of WISH
1
2
a : an expressed will or desire : mandate b : a request or command couched as a wish
3
: an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone
See wish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WISH
14th century
WISH Defined for Kids
1wish
verb \ˈwish\
wishedwish·ing
Definition of WISH for Kids
1
: to have a desire for : want <I wish you were here.>
2
: to form or express a desire concerning <He wished them both good luck.>
3
: to request by expressing a desire <I wish you to go now.>
2wish
noun
Definition of WISH for Kids
1
: an act or instance of having or expressing a desire usually in the mind <Close your eyes and make a wish.>
2
: something wanted <I got my wish.>
3
: a desire for happiness or luck <Send them my best wishes.>
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