De·mand, n.
1. The act of demanding; an asking with authority; a peremptory urging of a claim; a claiming or challenging as due; requisition; as, the demand of a creditor; a note payable on demand.
The demand [is] by the word of the holy ones. --Dan. iv. 17.
He that has confidence to turn his wishes into demands will be but a little way from thinking he ought to obtain them. --Locke.
2. Earnest inquiry; question; query.
3. A diligent seeking or search; manifested want; desire to possess; request; as, a demand for certain goods; a person's company is in great demand.
In 1678 came forth a second edition [Pilgrim's Progress] with additions; and then the demand became immense. --Macaulay.
4. That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate.
5. Law (a) The asking or seeking for what is due or claimed as due. (b) The right or title in virtue of which anything may be claimed; as, to hold a demand against a person. (c) A thing or amount claimed to be due.
In demand, in request; being much sought after.
On demand, upon presentation and request of payment.
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in demand
adj 1: in demand by especially employers; "marketable skills" [syn:
in demand(p), marketable]
2: greatly desired [syn: coveted, desired, in demand(p),
sought after]