Pronunciation: [ˈaθɜːst] (IPA) 
The word "athirst" is spelled a-t-h-i-r-s-t. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /əˈθɜrst/. The first syllable is pronounced as a schwa followed by a voiced dental fricative /ð/. The second syllable begins with a voiceless dental fricative /θ/ followed by an unrounded open-mid central vowel /ɜ/ and ends with a voiceless alveolar plosive /t/. The word means to be extremely thirsty or eager to do something.
Athirst is an adjective used to describe a strong and intense desire or craving for something, usually for knowledge, understanding, or accomplishment. This term is often associated with a deep longing or hunger that one feels for acquiring and attaining a specific goal or objective.
Derived from the Old English word "athyrstan," meaning "to thirst," athirst conveys a sense of extreme eagerness, enthusiasm, or passion for obtaining or experiencing something. It emphasizes the idea of a compelling need or want that drives an individual to seek and pursue their ambitions with great determination and fervor.
The word athirst can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone who is athirst for knowledge, implying their insatiable thirst for learning or intellectual growth. It can also be employed to depict an individual who is athirst for success or athirst for adventure, indicating their relentless pursuit of achievement or thrilling experiences.
Additionally, athirst can be used metaphorically to express a strong desire for non-physical attributes, such as love, creativity, or spiritual enlightenment. It captures the essence of an unquenchable thirst or craving that consumes a person's thoughts, propelling them towards the object of their desire with unwavering determination.
• Wanting drink; thirsty.
• Thirsty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "athirst" originated in Middle English from the combination of two Old English words: "a-", meaning "on" or "in", and "thyrstan", meaning "to suffer from thirst" or "to yearn for". These Old English words were derived from the Proto-Germanic root "thursa", which means "dry" or "parched". Over time, "athirst" evolved to its current form, representing the state of being intensely eager or desirous of something.
