Hanker — Han ker (h[a^][ng] k[ e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hankered} ( k[ e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Hankering}.] [Prob. fr. hang; cf. D. hunkeren, hengelen.] 1. To long (for) with a keen appetite and uneasiness; to have a vehement desire; usually with for or … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
hanker — (v.) c.1600, of unknown origin, probably from Flemish hankeren, related to Du. hunkeren to hanker, of unknown origin; perhaps an intensive of M.Du. hangen to hang (see HANG (Cf. hang) (v.)). If so, the notion is of lingering about with longing or … Etymology dictionary
hanker — ► VERB (hanker after/for/to do) ▪ feel a strong desire for or to do. ORIGIN probably related to HANG(Cf. ↑hang) … English terms dictionary
hanker — yearn, pine, *long, hunger, thirst Analogous words: crave, *desire, covet, wish, want: aspire, pant, *aim … New Dictionary of Synonyms
hanker — [haŋ′kər] vi. [Early ModE, prob. < Du or LowG source, as in Fl hankeren, to desire, long for, Du hunkeren, freq. formation & metaphoric extension < base of HANG] to crave, long, or yearn: followed by after, for, or an infinitive … English World dictionary
hanker — v. (colloq.) (esp. AE) 1) (d; intr.) to hanker after, for ( to want ) (to hanker for a good steak) 2) (E) ( to want ) she hankered to go south * * * [ hæŋkə] for (to hanker for a good steak; to want ) (E) ( to want ) she hankered to go south… … Combinatory dictionary
hanker — UK [ˈhæŋkə(r)] / US [ˈhæŋkər] verb [intransitive] Word forms hanker : present tense I/you/we/they hanker he/she/it hankers present participle hankering past tense hankered past participle hankered informal to have a strong feeling of wanting… … English dictionary
hanker — han|ker [ˈhæŋkə US ər] v hanker after/for [hanker after/for sth] phr v [Date: 1600 1700; Origin: Probably from Flemish hankeren, from hangen to hang ] to feel strongly that you want something ▪ She hankered for a new life in a different country.… … Dictionary of contemporary English
hanker — /ˈhæŋkə / (say hangkuh) verb (t) 1. to have the desire (to do something): to hanker to go back home. –phrase 2. hanker after (or for), to have a restless or incessant longing for: to hanker after freedom. {17th century; compare Flemish hankeren}… …
hanker — han|ker [ hæŋkər ] verb intransitive INFORMAL to have a strong feeling of wanting something: hanker after/for: She had always hankered after thick curly hair. hanker to do something: He hankered to revisit his childhood home … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English