v.intr.
1. (usu. foll. by for, after, or to + infin.) have a strong emotional longing.
2 (usu. foll. by to, towards) be filled with compassion or tenderness.
Derivatives:
yearner n. yearning n. & adj. yearningly adv.
Etymology: OE giernan f. a Gmc root meaning 'eager'