need

1. 1

   A requirement for something; something needed.countableuncountable

   • There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.
   • She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.
2. 2

   A desire or craving for the satisfaction of a requirement perceived as essential or primal.countableuncountable

3. 3

   Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.countableuncountable

   • Famine is in thy cheeks; Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.

1. 1

   To have an absolute requirement for.transitive

   • Living things need water to survive.
   • You do not always need to go to the library to study. You may use the Internet.
2. 2

   To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.transitive

   • After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.
3. 3

   To be obliged or required (to do something).modal

   • I need not go if I don't want to, need I?
   • I was wondering if I need fill in more forms. - No, that's the only one you need fill out.
4. 4

   To be required; to be necessary.intransitive

   • When we have done it, we have done our duty, and all that is in our power, and indeed all that needs.
   • Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around.
5. 5

   To be necessary (to someone).obsoletetransitive

   • More ample spirit, then hitherto was wount, / Here needes me […]

syn. be in need of · require