demand: Meaning and Definition of

de•mand

Pronunciation: (di-mand', -mänd'), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to ask for with proper authority; claim as a right: He demanded payment of the debt.
  2. to ask for peremptorily or urgently: He demanded sanctuary. She demanded that we let her in.
  3. to call for or require as just, proper, or necessary: This task demands patience. Justice demands objectivity.
    1. to lay formal legal claim to.
    2. to summon, as to court.
—v.i.
  1. to make a demand; inquire; ask.
—n.
  1. the act of demanding.
  2. something that is demanded.
  3. an urgent or pressing requirement: demands upon one's time.
    1. the desire to purchase, coupled with the power to do so.
    2. the quantity of goods that buyers will take at a particular price.
  4. a requisition; a legal claim: The demands of the client could not be met.
  5. the state of being wanted or sought for purchase or use: an article in great demand.
  6. inquiry; question.
  7. upon presentation or request for payment: The fee is payable on demand.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: