Hankering

A strong, persistent feeling of wanting or desiring something, often something that is difficult or impossible to obtain immediately. It signifies a yearning or craving, a deep-seated appetite for a particular experience, object, or state. It suggests a mental longing that can be intense and difficult to ignore, representing a persistent itch that must be scratched. This craving can be for food, experiences, objects or even emotional states, illustrating the multifaceted nature of human desire. The strength of a hankering varies, from a mild longing to an overpowering urge.

Hankering meaning with examples

• After seeing the exotic dishes on the travel show, she developed a strong hankering for authentic Thai food, imagining the complex flavors and spicy aromas. Her current fridge items were doing little to subside her craving. It grew until she was desperate for the experience. She spent the evening searching for a reputable Thai restaurant.
• The weary traveler felt a hankering for the comfort of home. Remembering his own bed and a hot bath grew in his mind as the journey got longer. He longed for the familiar sights and sounds, creating a mental image of his cozy living room with the sun setting over the horizon. He wanted to sit and relax with a cup of tea.
• Despite his healthy diet, he felt a persistent hankering for a sugary dessert. Resisting the temptation was a daily struggle, remembering the forbidden taste was a torture to his own efforts. He kept thinking of his guilty pleasure, visualizing the rich sweetness. It was almost time to cheat.
• As the summer heat intensified, the children felt a hankering for a refreshing ice cream cone. The thought of the cold, sweet treat filled their imaginations, a promise from the local ice cream stand. Their anticipation and a longing filled their thoughts. They badgered their parents until one parent finally gave in.
• Even though he knew it was irrational, he developed a hankering for a vintage sports car, seeing a beautiful red model online. The sleek design and powerful engine ignited his imagination, creating a fantasy that the car will elevate his social status. His mind began to wonder, and it grew into an obsession.