Cravings: meaning, definitions and examples

When a person has a strong and often uncontrolled desire for something usually related to food, drink, or certain habits.

• She had sudden cravings for chocolate during her pregnancy.
• His late-night cravings for pizza were hard to resist.

General term for a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. It can apply to a wide range of situations from personal goals to material objects.

• She has a strong desire to travel the world.
• He felt a deep desire to help those in need.

Usually refers to an intense emotional state of wanting something that is often out of reach or not easily attainable. Often carries a sense of melancholy or wistfulness.

• She felt a deep longing for the mountains where she grew up.
• His eyes showed a longing for days gone by.

Refers to a strong impulse or sudden, spontaneous desire to act, often used in situations where controlling the impulse is challenging. Can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• He felt an urge to shout during the heated argument.
• Despite her diet, she couldn't resist the urge to eat the cake.

Use this word when talking about a strong desire for something, especially food or drink. It is usually a temporary urge.

• She had sudden cravings for chocolate in the middle of the night

This word is used to describe a condition where someone is unable to stop consuming a substance or engaging in a behavior despite harmful consequences. It often has a negative connotation.

• His addiction to alcohol has caused significant problems in his personal and professional life

This word is used when someone relies on a substance or behavior to function normally. It implies a physical or psychological need that can be difficult to overcome.

• He developed a dependency on painkillers after his injury

Compulsion refers to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, often against one's conscious wishes. This term is commonly used in psychological contexts.

• She felt a compulsion to check the door several times before leaving the house

Used when referring to a strong, often physical, urge for something, typically food or a substance.

• She had intense chocolate cravings during her pregnancy.
• After quitting smoking, he struggled with cravings for nicotine.

Used to denote an intense, emotional longing, often with a sense of sadness or incompleteness.

• She felt a deep yearning for her lost childhood.
• His yearning for love was palpable in his letters.

Used to express a persistent, often nostalgic, emotion of wanting something strongly, typically something unattainable or distant.

• She looked at the old photographs with a sense of longing.
• He felt a longing to return to his hometown.

Used in a broad context to signify a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. It can be applied to emotions, objects, or actions.

• He has a strong desire to succeed in his career.
• She felt a deep desire to travel the world.