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v. want·ed, want·ing, wants v.tr. 1. a. To have a strong feeling to have (something); wish (to possess or do something); desire greatly: She wants a glass of water. They want to leave. See Synonyms at desire. b. To desire (someone to do something): I want you to clean your room. 2. a. To request the presence or assistance of: You are wanted by your office. b. To seek with intent to capture: The fugitive is wanted by the police. 3. To have an inclination toward; like: Say what you want, but be tactful. 4. Informal To be obliged (to do something): You want to be careful on the ice. 5. To be in need of; require: "'Your hair wants cutting,' said the Hatter" (Lewis Carroll). 6. To be without; lack. v.intr. To be inclined or desirous; wish: Call me daily if you want. n. Phrasal Verbs: 1. The condition or quality of lacking something usual or necessary: stayed home for want of anything better to do. 2. Pressing need; destitution: lives in want. 3. Something desired: a person of few wants and needs. 4. A defect of character; a fault. want for To be in need of: You shall want for nothing. want in Slang 1. To desire greatly to enter: The dog wants in. 2. To wish to join a project, business, or other undertaking. want out Slang 1. To desire greatly to leave: The cat wants out. 2. To wish to leave a project, a business, or other undertaking. [Middle English wanten, to be lacking, from Old Norse vanta; see euə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] wanter n. |
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