v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by for) have or express a desire or aspiration for (wish for happiness).
2 tr. (often foll. by that + clause, usu. with that omitted) have as a desire or aspiration (I wish I could sing; I wished that I was dead).
3 tr. want or demand, usu. so as to bring about what is wanted (I wish to go; I wish you to do it; I wish it done).
4 tr. express one's hopes for (we wish you well; wish them no harm; wished us a pleasant journey).
5 tr. (foll. by on, upon) colloq. foist on a person.
--n.
1. a a desire, request, or aspiration. b an expression of this.
2 a thing desired (got my wish).
Phrases and idioms:
best (or good) wishes hopes felt or expressed for another's happiness etc. wish-fulfilment a tendency for subconscious desire to be satisfied in fantasy. wishing-well a well into which coins are dropped and a wish is made. the wish is father to the thought we believe a thing because we wish it true.
Derivatives:
wisher n. (in sense 4 of v.); (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE wyscan, OHG wunsken f. Gmc, ult. rel. to WEEN, WONT