demand

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɑːnd/

noun

  • an insistent and peremptory request, made as of right: a series of demands for far-reaching reforms
  • (usually demands) pressing requirements: he’s got enough demands on his time already
  • [mass noun] the desire of consumers, clients, employers, etc. for a particular commodity, service, or other item: a recent slump in demand [count noun]: a demand for specialists

verb

[reporting verb]
  • ask authoritatively or brusquely: [with direct speech]: ‘Where is she?’ he demanded [with clause]: the police demanded that he give them the names
  • [with object] insist on having: an outraged public demanded retribution too much was being demanded of the top players
  • require; need: a complex activity demanding detailed knowledge

Phrases

in demand

sought after: all these skills are much in demand

on demand

as soon as or whenever required: a combination boiler provides hot water on demand [as modifier]: an on-demand movie service on broadband

Derivatives

demander

noun

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun): from Old French demande (noun), demander (verb), from Latin demandare 'hand over, entrust' (in medieval Latin 'demand'), from de- 'formally' + mandare 'to order'