desire

1. 1

   To want; to wish for earnestly.

   • I desire to speak with you.
2. 2

   To put a request to (someone); to entreat.

   • And when they founde no cause of deeth in hym, yet desired they Pilate to kyll him.
   • Mr. Barrett, however, by fawning and flattery, seemed to be able to make not only Mrs. Churchill but everyone else do what he desired.
3. 3

   To want emotionally or sexually.

   • She has desired him since they first met.
4. 4

   To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.

   • Then shee said, Did I desire a sonne of my Lord ? did I not say, Doe not deceiue me?
   • Desire him to go in; trouble him no more.
5. 5

   To require; to demand; to claim.

   • A doleful case desires a doleful song.
6. 6

   To miss; to regret.

   • She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.

1. 1

   The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.uncountableusually

   • Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgement.
2. 2

   Someone or something wished for.countableusually

   • It is my desire to speak with you.
   • You’re my heart’s desire.
3. 3

   Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.uncountableusually

   • His desire for her kept him awake at night.
4. 4

   Motivation.uncountableusually

syn. want-to · ambition · appetite · appetition · aspiration · avidity · cacoethes · concupiscence · craving · cupidity · desire · dream

ant. apathy · contempt · disinterest · distaste · hatred