Definition of: demand

(di·mand′, -mänd′) v.t.
1. To ask for boldly or peremptorily; insist upon.
2. To claim as due; ask for authoritatively.
3. To ask to know; inquire formally.
4. To have need for; require.
5. Law a To summon to court. b To make formal claim to (property).
—v.i.
6. To make a demand.
—noun
1. The act of demanding, or that which is demanded; requirement; claim; need.
2. A desire to obtain; call.
3. An actionable legal claim; also, that act of requesting payment or performance of what is due.
4. The desire to possess combined with the ability to purchase; also, the totality of such effectual desire in a given market with reference to a given commodity at a certain price.
5. An inquiry. See synonyms under TAX.
—in demand Desired; sought after.
—on demand On presentation: a note payable on demand. [<F demander <L demandare <de- down, away + mandare command; order]
—de·mand′a·ble adjective
—de·mand′er noun Synonyms (verb): ask, challenge, claim, exact, request, require. Demand is a determined and often an arrogant word; one may rightfully demand what is his own or his due, when it is with-held or denied; or he may wrongfully demand that to which he has no claim but power. Require is less arrogant and obtrusive than demand, but is exceedingly strenuous; as, the court requires the attendance of witnesses. Request is milder than demand or require: a creditor may demand or require payment; a friend requests a favor. We may speak of a humble request, but not of a humble demand. Compare ASK. Antonyms: decline, deny, refuse, reject, repudiate.