n.
Pronunciation: di- ' z ī (- ə )r, d ē -
Function: verb
Inflected Form: de · sired ; de · sir · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for < desire success>
2 a : to express a wish for : REQUEST <they desire an immediate answer> b archaic : to express a wish to : ASK
3 obsolete : INVITE
4 archaic : to feel the loss of
intransitive verb : to have or feel desire
synonyms 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 specif. 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>.