Category:Thirst

Thirst, n. Etym: [oe. thirst, þurst, as. þurst, þyrst; akin to d. Dorst, os. thurst, g. durst, icel. þorsti, sw. & dan. törst, goth. Þaúrstei thirst, þaúrsus dry, withered, þaúrsieþ mik i thirst, Gaþaírsan to wither, l. torrere to parch, gr. te`rsesqai to become Dry, tesai`nein to dry up, skr. trssh to thirst. *54. Cf. Torrid.]

1. A sensation of dryness in the throat associated with a craving for Liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (as Fear, excitement, etc.) which arrests the secretion of the pharyngeal Mucous membrane; hence, the condition producing this sensation. Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of egypt, to kill Us, and our children. . . with thirst ex. xvii. 3. With thirst, with cold, with hunger so confounded. Chaucer.

2. Fig.: A want and eager desire after anything; a craving or Longing; -- usually with for, of, or after; as, the thirst for gold. "thirst of worldy good." Fairfax. "the thirst i had of knowledge." Milton.

Thirst Thirst, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Thirsted; p. pr. & vb. n. Thirsting.] Etym: [as. . See thirst, n.]

1. To feel thirst; to experience a painful or uneasy sensation of the Throat or fauces, as for want of drink. The people thirsted there for water. Ex. xvii. 3.

2. To have a vehement desire. My soul thirsteth for. . . the living god. Ps. xlii. 2.

Thirst Thirst, v. t.

Defn: to have a thirst for. [r.] He seeks his keeper's flesh, and thirsts his blood. Prior.