craving
KRAY-ving
/ˈkreɪvɪŋ/
A powerful, overwhelming desire for something, especially a drug or food.
In addiction, cravings are intense urges that can be triggered by cues (people, places, things) associated with past substance use, even after long periods of abstinence.
The story behind the word. The word 'craving' comes from the Old Norse word krefja, meaning 'to demand, require, ask for.' It entered English around the 13th century, initially meaning 'to ask for, beg for.' Over time, its meaning intensified to denote a powerful, almost demanding desire. This origin perfectly captures the insistent, demanding nature of a craving, especially in the context of addiction.
Word relationships
- urge: A strong desire or impulse, often less intense or prolonged than a craving.
- longing: A yearning desire, often for something absent or lost, with an emotional component.
- aversion: A strong dislike or disinclination.
- repulsion: A feeling of intense distaste or disgust.
Commonly confused with
- desire: 'Desire' is a general wish; 'craving' is a much more intense, often physical or overwhelming, desire, especially for a specific substance or food.
Word family
- crave (verb): To feel a powerful desire for (something).
Collocations
- intense craving
- drug craving
- food craving
- sugar craving
- satisfy a craving
- fight a craving
Example sentences
- "The intense craving for nicotine can be one of the biggest hurdles for individuals trying to quit smoking." Discussing the challenges of quitting smoking.
- "After a long day, I had an undeniable craving for a spicy curry." In a culinary context.
Memory hook
A CRAVING makes you 'CRAVE' something so much it feels like you're 'CRAZY' for it. CRAZY for it
When not to use
While 'craving' can be used for strong desires for food (e.g., 'chocolate craving'), using it for less intense desires might sound overly dramatic. 'Want' or 'desire' are milder alternatives.
Fun facts
- Cravings can persist for months or even years after a person stops using a substance.
- Brain imaging studies show that cravings activate reward pathways in the brain similar to those activated by the substance itself.
Related words
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