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