Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - desire

 I. verb  (~d; desiring)  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French ~r, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body  Date: 13th century  transitive verb  1. to long or hope for ; exhibit or feel ~ for ~ success  2.  a. to express a wish for ; request they ~ an immediate answer  b. archaic to express a wish to ; ask  3. obsolete invite  4. archaic to feel the loss of  intransitive verb to have or feel ~ Synonyms:  ~, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. ~ stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim ~s 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 ~ covets his rise to fame.  II. noun  Date: 14th century  1. conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment  2.  a. longing, craving  b. sexual urge or appetite  3. a usually formal request or petition for some action  4. something ~d