I. ˈwish verb
Etymology: Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for — more at win
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to have a desire for (as something unattainable)
wish ed he could live his life over
2. : to give expression to as a wish : bid
wish them good night
3.
a. : to give form to (a wish)
b. : to express a wish for
c. : to request in the form of a wish : order
d. : to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified
cannot wish our problems away
4. : to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist
intransitive verb
1. : to have a desire : want
wish ing for more
2. : to make a wish
wish on a falling star
Synonyms: see desire
• wish·er noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : an act or instance of wishing or desire : want
a wish to travel
b. : an object of desire : goal
2.
a. : an expressed will or desire : mandate
b. : a request or command couched as a wish
3. : an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone