require meaning and definition

REQUIRE verb

Definition of require (verb)

1. require as useful, just, or proper
   • "It takes nerve to do what she did"; "success usually requires hard work"; "This job asks a lot of patience and skill"; "This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice"; "This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert"; "This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent"
   • synonyms: ask, call for, demand, involve, necessitate, need, postulate, take
   • antonym: eliminate
2. consider obligatory; request and expect
   • "We require our secretary to be on time"; "Aren't we asking too much of these children?"; "I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons"
   • synonyms: ask, expect
3. make someone do something
   • synonyms: command
4. have need of
   • "This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner"
   • synonyms: need, want