■ verb
1》 require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.
2》 [usu. with negative or in questions ] expressing necessity or obligation: ~ I say more?
3》 archaic be necessary.
■ noun
1》 circumstances in which something is necessary; necessity.
2》 a thing that is wanted or required.
3》 the state of lacking basic necessities such as food, or of requiring help.
■ adverb ( ~s ) archaic of necessity.
Phrases
~s must (or must ~s ) it is or was necessary or unavoidable.
Origin
OE nēodian (v.), nēod , nēd (n.), of Gmc origin.
Usage
The two usual constructions with the verb in sense 1 are that shirt ~s washing and that shirt ~s to be washed . The construction that shirt ~s washed is restricted to certain dialects and is not considered acceptable in standard English.