v. 1 stand in want of; require. 2 (foll. by to + infin.; 3rd sing. present neg. or interrog. need without to) be under the necessity or obligation (needs to be done well; he need not come; need you ask?). n. 1 requirement (my needs are few). 2 circumstances requiring some course of action (no need to worry; if need be). 3 destitution; poverty. 4 crisis; emergency (failed them in their need). have need of require. need not have did not need to (but did). [Old English]
