thirst

/θərst/

/θəst/

Other forms: thirsting; thirsted; thirsts

Thirst is the sensation of needing or wanting to drink something. Use the same word whether you're talking about your thirst for lemonade on a hot day or the dire thirst of someone lost in a desert without water.

At its most serious, thirst can be compared to starvation: "The water shortage is leading to extreme thirst in the poorest parts of the country." You can also use this word for a much milder need, like your cousin's seemingly endless thirst for root beer. Figuratively, to thirst for something is to desire it strongly: "Her thirst for knowledge means she stays up late reading the encyclopedia."

Definitions of thirst

1. noun

   a physiological need to drink
   synonyms: thirstiness

   types:

   dehydration

   depletion of bodily fluids

   polydipsia

   excessive thirst (as in cases of diabetes or kidney dysfunction)

   type of:

   drive

   a physiological state corresponding to a strong need or desire
2. noun

   strong desire for something (not food or drink)
   “a thirst for knowledge”

   synonyms: hunger, hungriness, thirstiness

   type of:

   desire

   an inclination to want things
3. verb

   have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
   synonyms: crave, hunger, lust, starve

   type of:

   desire, want

   feel or have a desire for; want strongly
4. verb

   feel the need to drink
   type of:

   ache, hurt, smart

   be the source of pain