n. & v.
n. 1 an insistent and peremptory request, made as of right. 2 Econ. the desire of purchasers or consumers for a commodity (no demand for solid tyres these days). 3 an urgent claim (care of her mother makes demands on her).
v.tr. 1 (often foll. by of, from, or to + infin., or that + clause) ask for (something) insistently and urgently, as of right (demanded to know; demanded five pounds from him; demanded that his wife be present). 2 require or need (a task demanding skill). 3 insist on being told (demanded her business). 4 (as demanding adj.) making demands; requiring skill, effort, etc. (a demanding but worthwhile job). demand feeding the practice of feeding a baby when it cries for a feed rather than at set times. demand note 1 a written request for payment. 2 US a bill payable at sight. demand pull Econ. available money as a factor causing economic inflation. in demand sought after. on demand as soon as a demand is made (a cheque payable on demand). demandable adj. demander n. demandingly adv.
[ ME f. OF demande (n.), demander (v.) f. L demandare entrust (as DE-, mandare order: see MANDATE) ]