First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
crave
verb \ˈkrāv\
: to have a very strong desire for (something)
cravedcrav·ing
Full Definition of CRAVE
transitive verb
2
a : to want greatly : need <craves drugs> b : to yearn for <crave a vanished youth>
intransitive verb
: to have a strong or inward desire <craves after affection>
— crav·er noun
See crave defined for English-language learners
See crave defined for kids
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Origin of CRAVE
Middle English, from Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja to crave, demand
Related to CRAVE
- Synonyms
- ache (for), covet, desire, desiderate, die (for), hanker (for or after), hunger (for), itch (for), jones (for) [slang], long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), salivate (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), want, wish (for), yearn (for), yen (for)
Synonym Discussion of CRAVE
desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <desires to start a new life>. wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <wishes for permanent world peace>. want specifically suggests a felt need or lack <wants to have a family>. crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <craves sweets>. covet implies strong envious desire <covets his rise to fame>.
CRAVE Defined for Kids
crave
verb \ˈkrāv\
cravedcrav·ing
Definition of CRAVE for Kids
1
: to want greatly : long for <crave chocolate> <The stray dog craved affection.>
2
: to ask for earnestly <“Sire, there is a messenger from the enemy who craves audience.” — C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe>
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