ˈkrāv verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English craven, from Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja to crave, Old English cræft strength, skill, Old High German kraft strength, skill, krāpo, krāpfo hook, Old Norse kraptr strength, skill, Old English cradol cradle — more at cradle
transitive verb
1.
a. : to ask authoritatively : demand
crave a hearing before a court
b. chiefly Scotland : dun
crave a debtor
2.
a. : to ask earnestly : beg , beseech , implore
crave a person's pardon
crave the indulgence of an audience
b. obsolete : to ask to know
3.
a. : to want greatly : need
crave sweets
crave fresh air
b. : to yearn for : require
an ego craving flattery
4. : to demand as necessary or expedient : require
orders craving immediate attention
intransitive verb
: to have a strong or inward desire
crave after inspiration
crave for good food
Synonyms: see desire