ni:d v. & n. --v. 1 tr.
stand in
want of;
require (needs a
new coat). 2 tr. (foll. by to + infin.; 3rd
sing. present neg. or interrog. need
without to) be
under the necessity or
obligation (it
needs to be
done carefully; he need
not come; need
you ask?). 3 intr.
archaic be
necessary. --n. 1 a a want or requirement (my needs are
few; the need
for greater freedom). b a
thing wanted (my greatest need is a car). 2 circumstances requiring
some course of
action; necessity (there is no need to
worry; if need arise). 3 destitution;
poverty. 4 a
crisis; an
emergency (failed
them in
their need). øat need in
time of need.
had need archaic ought to (had need remember).
have need of require; want. have need to require to (has need to be warned). in need requiring
help. in need of requiring. need not have
did not need to (but did). [OE neodian, ned f. Gmc]