n.
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form: longed ; long · ing \ ' lo ̇ ŋ -i ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English langian; akin to Old High German lang ē n to longitude, Old English lang longitude
Date: before 12th century
: to feel a strong desire or craving especially for something not likely to be attained <they long for peace> < long ing to return home>
– long · er \ ' lo ̇ ŋ - ə r \ noun
synonyms LONG , YEARN , HANKER , PINE , HUNGER , THIRST mean to have a strong desire for something. LONG implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain < longed for some rest>. YEARN suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing < yearned for a stage career>. HANKER suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire <always hankering for money>. PINE implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible < pined for a lost love>. HUNGER and THIRST imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need < hungered for a business of his own> < thirsted for power>.