require

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verb re·quire \ri-ˈkwī(-ə)r\

Definition of require

required

;

requiring

transitive verb
1a : to claim or ask for by right and authorityb archaic : request
2a : to call for as suitable or appropriate the occasion requires formal dressb : to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for all living beings require food
3 : to impose a compulsion or command on : compel
4 chiefly British : to feel or be obliged —used with a following infinitive one does not require to be a specialist — Elizabeth Bowen
intransitive verb
archaic : ask

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Examples of require in a sentence

<the toy requires four batteries, which are not included>

Origin and Etymology of require

Middle English requeren, from Anglo-French requere, from Vulgar Latin *requaerere to seek for, need, require, alteration of Latin requirere, from re- + quaerere to seek, ask

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of require

demand, claim, require, exact mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary. demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands demanded payment of the debt. claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right claimed the right to manage his own affairs. require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation the patient requires constant attention. exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands exacts absolute loyalty.