want

Where does the word "want" come from? It comes from Old Norse vanta, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).

Want’s story begins in Old Norse: vanta meant “to lack, to be missing.” 'want' first meant 'lack', as in 'for want of a nail'. It reached English by 1200s as want. Broadened from lacking something to desiring it. Today, want means to desire or wish for something.

1. Stage 1 · Old Norse · medieval vanta "to lack, to be missing", 'want' first meant 'lack', as in 'for want of a nail'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1200s want "to desire or wish for something", broadened from lacking something to desiring it.