thirst — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A sensation of dryness in the throat associated with a craving for liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (such as fear, excitement, etc.) which stops the secretion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   We developed a great thirst during our hike.

   He had quite a thirst on and so headed to his favourite Dublin pub.

2. The condition producing the sensation of thirst.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   If you go out in the desert for long without water, the thirst can drive you mad.

   More examples (1)

   "We haven't one chance for life in a hundred thousand if we don't find food and water upon Caprona. This water coming out of the cliff is not salt; but neither is it fit to drink, though each of us has drunk. It is fair to assume that inland the river is fed by pure streams, that there are fruits and herbs and game. Shall we lie out here and die of thirst and starvation with a land of plenty possibly only a few hundred yards away? We have the means for navigating a subterranean river. Are we too cowardly to utilize this means?"

3. A want and eager desire (for something); a craving or longing.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Figurative
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   She had a real thirst for news and that greatly helped her career.

4. Sexual lust.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Figurative
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   He had a thirst for her and she had the same for him.

Verb

1. To be thirsty.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   The people thirsted there for water.

2. To desire vehemently.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • usually
   • followed by "for"

   Examples

   I thirst for knowledge and education will sate me.

   to be thirsted for one's blood

   More examples (2)

   My soul thirsteth for […] the living God.

   Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Noun

1. a physiological need to drink

   Synonyms

   thirstiness

   Broader terms

   drive

2. strong desire for something (not food or drink)

   Synonyms

   hungerhungrinessthirstiness

   Broader terms

   desire

   Examples

   a thirst for knowledge

   hunger for affection

Verb

1. feel the need to drink

   Broader terms

   achesmarthurt

2. have a craving, appetite, or great desire for

   Synonyms

   cravehungerstarvelust

   Broader terms

   desirewant