v.
- require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.
-
[usu. with neg. or in questions]
expressing necessity or obligation:
need I say more?
- archaic be necessary.
n.
- circumstances in which something is necessary; necessity.
- a thing that is wanted or required.
- the state of lacking basic necessities such as food, or of requiring help.
adv.
(
needs)
archaic of necessity.
Phrase
- needs must
(or must needs)
it is or was necessary or unavoidable.
Usage
The two usual constructions with the verb in sense 1 are that shirt needs washing and that shirt needs to be washed. The construction that shirt needs washed is restricted to certain dialects and is not considered acceptable in standard English.
Etymology
OE nēodian (v.), nēod, nēd (n.), of Gmc origin.