craving

Everyday

1. A craving is a very strong wish for something, especially a food or drink. tree →
2. A strong need for an addictive thing, like a smoker's craving for a cigarette. tree →
3. Craving is also the -ing form of «crave», to want something very strongly. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life people have cravings for chocolate or pizza; pregnant mothers are said to have unusual cravings. In health lessons cravings are part of addiction. In Buddhism, craving (wanting) is taught as a cause of suffering. Phrases: «a craving for», «satisfy a craving», «crave attention».

Examples

• I have a craving for ice cream. tree →
• Mum had cravings for pickles when she was expecting the baby. tree →
• Smokers feel cravings when they try to stop. tree →
• He is craving attention from his friends. tree →
• Buddhists teach that craving leads to suffering. tree →
• After the run I was craving water. tree →
• A glass of milk stopped my craving for something sweet. tree →
• He sold all his possessions in order to satisfy his cravings, and was forced at last to devour his own limbs. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Verb «crave» is regular: craved. Usually «a craving for» something. Stronger than «want».

In Jewish tradition

It means strong appetite. The Psalm says the Israelites tested God by asking for food to satisfy their craving.

Interpretation. The story recalls the quail in the wilderness. The sages saw it as a lesson about ingratitude and complaining.

Examples

• And they tried God in their heart by asking food for their craving. (Writings PSA.78.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• They were not estranged from their craving, their food was yet in their mouths, (Writings PSA.78.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun. Verb «crave» is regular: craved. Usually «a craving for» something. Stronger than «want».