require — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To demand, to insist upon (having); to call for authoritatively.

   Examples

   "I am Miss Newbury," I announced, "and I require to be shown to my room immediately, if you please."

   More examples (1)

   ‘Regrettably, I have concluded, after considering the matter over Christmas[…], that I can no longer maintain the high standard of service I require of myself, meet the demands of office and cope with the pressures of public life, without my health deteriorating further.’

2. Naturally to demand (something) as indispensable; to need, to call for as necessary.

   Examples

   Chronic pain is occasionally a sign of a very serious problem, like brain tumors, and can require surgery.

   A weapon small enough to put on a missile would require uranium enriched to more than 90% U-235.

3. To demand (of someone) to do something.

   Synonyms

   provide

   Examples

   It is required (of me) that I give evidence in court.

   After Aug 3 all salesgirls will be required to wear only one style of skirt while on duty: the midi.

   More examples (1)

   The government would like to require non-British fiances who wish to marry a British citizen to sit an English test.

4. To ask (someone) for something; to request; to beseech.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   I requyre yow lete vs be sworne to gyders that neuer none of vs shalle after this day haue adoo with other, and there with alle syre Tristram and sire Lamorak sware that neuer none of hem shold fyghte ageynst other nor for wele, nor for woo.

   I requyre the in the name of god, that thou torment me nott.

Verb

1. require as useful, just, or proper

   Synonyms

   necessitateaskpostulateneedtakeinvolvecall fordemand

   Broader terms

   referpertainrelateconcerncome tobear ontouchtouch onhave to do with

   Examples

   It takes nerve to do what she did

   success usually requires hard work

   More examples (4)

   This job asks a lot of patience and skill

   This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice

   This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert

   This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent

2. consider obligatory; request and expect

   Synonyms

   askexpect

   Broader terms

   demand

   Examples

   We require our secretary to be on time

   Aren't we asking too much of these children?

   More examples (1)

   I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons

3. make someone do something

   Synonyms

   command

   Broader terms

   ordertellenjoinsay

4. have need of

   Synonyms

   wantneed

   Broader terms

   existbe

   Examples

   This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner