Definitions for want

Overview of noun want

The noun want has 4 senses? (first 4 from tagged texts)

1. (3) privation, want, deprivation, neediness

(a state of extreme poverty)

2. (1) lack, deficiency, want

(the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable; "there is a serious lack of insight into the problem"; "water is the critical deficiency in desert regions"; "for want of a nail the shoe was lost")

3. (1) need, want

(anything that is necessary but lacking; "he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs"; "I tried to supply his wants")

4. (1) wish, wishing, want

(a specific feeling of desire; "he got his wish"; "he was above all wishing and desire")

Overview of verb want

The verb want has 5 senses? (first 4 from tagged texts)

1. (389) desire, want

(feel or have a desire for; want strongly; "I want to go home now"; "I want my own room")

2. (15) want, need, require

(have need of; "This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner")

3. (3) want

(hunt or look for; want for a particular reason; "Your former neighbor is wanted by the FBI"; "Uncle Sam wants you")

4. (2) want

(wish or demand the presence of; "I want you here at noon!")

5. want

(be without, lack; be deficient in; "want courtesy"; "want the strength to go on living"; "flood victims wanting food and shelter")