Dictionary
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.
4. Law.
a. to lay formal legal claim to.
b. to summon, as to court.
—
v.i.
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.
4. Econ.
a. the desire to purchase, coupled with the power to do so.
b. the quantity of goods that buyers will take at a particular price.
5. a requisition; a legal claim:
The demands of the client could not be met.
6. the state of being wanted or sought for purchase or use:
an article in great demand.
7. Archaic.inquiry; question.
8. on demand, upon presentation or request for payment:
The fee is payable on demand. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
