Hanker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hanker

[ˈhæŋkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

desire strongly

To hanker means to have a strong desire for something. It is often used to describe a strong yearning or longing for a particular object or experience.

Synonyms

crave, long for, yearn for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hanker	Often suggests a persistent or restless desire, sometimes for something nostalgic or comforting. John hankered for the days of his childhood, filled with adventure and curiosity. She hankered after a piece of her grandmother's apple pie.
crave	Implies a strong, often physical desire for something, especially food or other physical sensations. After the long hike, they craved cold water more than anything else. Pregnant women often crave unusual foods.
long for	Indicates a deep emotional desire for something, often involving feelings of sadness or wistfulness. He longed for the warmth and comfort of his own bed. During the cold winters, she longed for the sunny beaches of her hometown.
yearn for	Expresses a vigorous, heartfelt desire for something, typically something distant or unattainable. She yearned for the freedom to travel the world. The young artist yearned for recognition and acceptance of his work.

Examples of usage

I hanker for a taste of home-cooked meal.
She hankered after the freedom of youth.
He hankered to explore the world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a strong desire

As a noun, hanker refers to a strong desire or craving for something. It implies a persistent longing or yearning.

Synonyms

craving, desire, longing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hanker	Used when someone has a strong and persistent desire for something, often over a long period. It implies a personal yearning that is deeply felt. She hankered for a slice of her grandmother's homemade apple pie After years in the city, he hankered for the peace of the countryside
craving	Best used when describing an intense and often sudden desire, usually for something specific. It can be related to food, habits, or substances. Sometimes the context implies a need that feels almost uncontrollable. After the marathon, she had a craving for ice-cold water His craving for chocolate became overwhelming
longing	Used when describing a deep, often melancholic desire for something that is out of reach or hard to obtain. It can carry emotional weight and often implies a sense of absence or loss. His longing for his home country was palpable Her eyes reflected a longing that words couldn’t express
desire	A general term that can apply to a wide range of contexts, from everyday wishes to more profound aspirations or romantic feelings. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. She expressed a strong desire to travel the world He had a desire to succeed in his career

Examples of usage

She had a hanker for adventure.
His hanker for success drove him to work tirelessly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hanker'

The word 'hanker' originated in the mid-17th century, probably from Dutch 'hanckeren', which means 'to linger'. It evolved to mean 'to have a strong desire' over time. The usage of 'hanker' has persisted in English literature and everyday language to express a deep yearning for something.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,302 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34299 dazzlingly
34300 bather
34301 ladled
34302 hanker
34303 outran
34304 broody
34305 kamikaze
...