Want

English Meaning

The state of not having; the condition of being without anything; absence or scarcity of what is needed or desired; deficiency; lack; as, a want of power or knowledge for any purpose; want of food and clothing.

1. To desire greatly; wish for: They want to leave. She wants a glass of water. See Synonyms at desire.
2. To desire (someone to do something): I want you to clean your room.
3. To request the presence or assistance of: You are wanted by your office.
4. To seek with intent to capture: The fugitive is wanted by the police.
5. To have an inclination toward; like: Say what you want, but be tactful.
6. Informal To be obliged (to do something): You want to be careful on the ice.
7. To be without; lack. See Synonyms at lack.
8. To be in need of; require: "'Your hair wants cutting,' said the Hatter” ( Lewis Carroll).
9. To have need: wants for nothing.
10. To be destitute or needy.
11. To be disposed; wish: Call me daily if you want.
12. The condition or quality of lacking something usual or necessary: stayed home for want of anything better to do.
13. Pressing need; destitution: lives in want.
14. Something desired: a person of few wants and needs.
15. A defect of character; a fault.
16. want in Slang To desire greatly to enter: The dog wants in.
17. want in Slang To wish to join a project, business, or other undertaking.
18. want out Slang To desire greatly to leave: The cat wants out.
19. want out Slang To wish to leave a project, a business, or other undertaking.