crave meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

crave

verb

/kɹeɪv/

Etymology From Middle English craven, from Old English crafian (“to crave, ask, implore, demand, summon”), from Proto-West Germanic *krafōn, from Proto-Germanic *krafjaną (“to demand”). Cognate with Danish kræve (“to demand, require”), Swedish kräva (“to crave, demand”), Icelandic krefja (“to demand”), Norwegian kreve (“to demand”).

Ambitransitive To desire strongly, so as to satisfy an appetite; to long or yearn for.

to crave for peace
to crave after wealth

1 more example

to crave drugs

Archaic, Literary To ask for earnestly; to beg or demand, as from a figure of authority.

I humbly crave your indulgence to read this letter until the end.
My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, The penalty and forfeit of my bond.c. 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, act IV scene i:

2 more examples

I crave your honour's pardon.c. 1603-04, William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, act II scene ii:
Joseph […] went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Mark 15:43:

Obsolete To call for; to require as a course of action.

It is the bright day that brings forth the adder and that craves wary walking1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:

Derived terms: becrave, craveable, craver, craving, cravingly, cravingness, uncraving

crave

noun

A formal application to a court to make a particular order.

crave

crave

crave

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