wɪʃ v. & n. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by for)
have or express a
desire or
aspiration for (wish for happiness). 2 tr. (often foll. by
that +
clause, usu.
with that omitted) have as a desire or aspiration (I wish I
could sing; I wished that I
was dead). 3 tr.
want or
demand, usu. so as to
bring about what is wanted (I wish to go; I wish
you to do
it; I wish it done). 4 tr. express one's hopes for (we wish you well; wish
them no
harm; wished us a
pleasant journey). 5 tr. (foll. by
on, upon) colloq.
foist on a
person. --n. 1 a a desire,
request, or aspiration. b an
expression of
this. 2 a
thing desired (got my wish). øbest (or good) wishes hopes felt or expressed for another's happiness etc. wish-fulfilment a
tendency for
subconscious desire to be satisfied in
fantasy. wishing-well a well
into which coins are dropped
and a wish is
made.
the wish is
father to the thought we
believe a thing
because we wish it
true. øøwisher n. (in
sense 4 of v.); (also in comb.). [OE wyscan, OHG wunsken f. Gmc, ult. rel. to
WEEN, WONT]
