Main Entry: yearn

Pronunciation: \ˈyərn\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German gerōn to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice

Date: before 12th century

1 : to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly <yearns to make a difference>
2 : to feel tenderness or compassion

synonyms see long

— yearn·er noun

— yearn·ing·ly \ˈyər-niŋ-lē\ adverb