desire
a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment: a desire for fame.
an expressed wish; request.
something desired.
sexual appetite or a sexual urge.
Origin of desire
1synonym study For desire
Other words for desire
Other words from desire
- de·sired·ly [dih-zahyuhrd-lee, -zahy-rid-], /dɪˈzaɪərd li, -ˈzaɪ rɪd-/, adverb
- de·sired·ness, noun
- de·sire·less, adjective
- de·sir·er, noun
- de·sir·ing·ly, adverb
- o·ver·de·sire, noun
- self-de·sire, noun
- un·de·sir·ing, adjective
Words Nearby desire
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use desire in a sentence
Obviously, not all the original cast can come back or even have the desire.
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones) | Rich Goldstein | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTLike many I spoke to, Williams seemed to desire a reorientation of policing, rather than just a reduction.
This is a testament to the fundamental human—and American—desire to combine place and possibility.
But I have no desire to go on casting calls or any of that stuff.
Anastasia Ashley, Surfer-Cum-Model, Rides The Viral Internet Wave | James Joiner | December 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“We have always had every desire to let the American public see this movie,” Lynton said.
Inside Sony’s ‘Pineapple Express 2 Drama’: Leaked Emails Reveal Fight Over Stoner Comedy Sequel | William Boot | December 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
With every allusion that Ramona made to the saints' statues, Alessandro's desire to procure one for her deepened.
Ramona | Helen Hunt JacksonTo others the fierce desire for social justice obliterates all fear of a general catastrophe.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockAs Perker said this, he looked towards the door, with an evident desire to render the leave-taking as brief as possible.
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2) | Charles Dickens"She used to be so well—so bright," said Angela, who also appeared to have the desire to say something kind and comfortable.
Confidence | Henry JamesWhat more could one desire of him, I pray, Than just to hop around and stand for K?
British Dictionary definitions for desire
/ (dɪˈzaɪə) /
to wish or long for; crave; want
to express a wish or make a request for; ask for
a wish or longing; craving
an expressed wish; request
sexual appetite; lust
a person or thing that is desired
Origin of desire
1Other words from desire
- Related adjective: orectic
Derived forms of desire
- desirer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with desire
see leave a lot to be desired.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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