Definition of: appetite

(ap′ə·tīt) noun
1. A desire for food or drink.
2. A craving or desire; strong liking. [ <OF appetit <L appetitus < appetere strive for <ad- to + petere seek]
—ap′pe·ti′tive adjective Synonyms: appetence, craving, desire, disposition, impulse, inclination, liking, longing, lust, passion, proclivity, proneness, propensity, relish, thirst, zest. Appetite is used only of the demands of the physical system, unless otherwise expressly stated, as when we say an appetite for knowledge; passion includes all excitable impulses of our nature, as anger, fear, love, hatred, etc. Appetite is thus more animal than passion; we say an appetite for food, a passion for fame. Compare DESIRE. Antonyms: antipathy, aversion, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, distaste, hatred, indifference, loathing, repugnance, repulsion. Compare ANTIPATHY.