dɪˈmɑ:nd n. & v. --n. 1 an
insistent and peremptory request,
made as of
right. 2 Econ.
the desire of purchasers or consumers
for a
commodity (no demand for
solid tyres
these days). 3 an
urgent claim (care of
her mother makes demands on her). --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by
of,
from, or to + infin., or
that + clause)
ask for (something) insistently and urgently, as of right (demanded to
know; demanded
five pounds from
him; demanded that
his wife be present). 2
require or
need (a
task demanding skill). 3
insist on
being told (demanded her business). 4 (as demanding adj.)
making demands; requiring
skill,
effort, etc. (a demanding but
worthwhile job). ødemand feeding the
practice of feeding a
baby when it cries for a
feed rather than at set times. demand
note 1 a
written request for
payment. 2 US a bill
payable at
sight. demand
pull Econ.
available money as a
factor causing
economic inflation. in demand
sought after. on demand as
soon as a demand is made (a
cheque payable on demand). øødemandable adj. demander n. demandingly adv. [ME f. OF demande (n.), demander (v.) f. L demandare
entrust (as
DE-, mandare
order: see MANDATE)]
