v.
Pronunciation: ' y ə rn
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German ger ō n to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice
Date: before 12th century
1 : to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly < yearn s to make a difference>
2 : to feel tenderness or compassion
synonyms see LONG
– yearn · er noun
– yearn · ing · ly \ ' y ə r-ni ŋ -l ē \ adverb