What Does “Lust for sth” Mean?
“Lust for sth” means having a strong and intense desire or craving for something, often beyond just a simple want.
Introduction
The phrase “lust for sth” is used to describe a powerful desire or craving for something, whether it’s an object, experience, or abstract idea. The “sth” stands for “something,” which can be any noun you want to express intense longing for. Unlike casual wishes or hopes, a lust for something suggests a deep, often urgent passion or appetite. Understanding the lust for sth meaning helps learners express strong emotions related to desires in English. This phrase is common in both spoken and written English and can be used in various contexts, from talking about ambitions to desires for material things or experiences.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Lust for sth (lust for something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To have a strong desire or craving for something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Lust for sth” is an inseparable phrase, meaning you cannot put words between “lust” and “for.” The pattern is:
- Subject + lust (verb) + for + noun (something)
Examples:
- He lusts for power.
- She lusts for adventure.
Note that “lust” is usually used in the present simple or past simple tense.
How to Use “Lust for sth”?
You use “lust for sth” to express a very strong desire or craving for something specific. It is often used in serious or emotional contexts, but can also describe material desires, ambitions, or passions. This phrase works well when you want to emphasize intensity beyond simple liking or wanting.
It can be followed by nouns such as power, money, life, success, or even abstract things like freedom or knowledge.
Examples
People often talk about their deepest desires using “lust for sth.” Here are some examples to understand how this phrase works in sentences:
- He has a lust for power that drives all his decisions.
- Many artists have a lust for recognition and fame.
- She lusts for adventure and new experiences.
- The villain in the story lusts for wealth above everything else.
- His lust for life made him enjoy every moment fully.
These examples show “lust for sth in a sentence” used naturally in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners confuse “lust for sth” with similar phrases or use it incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes and corrections:
- Incorrect: She lusts power.
Correct: She lusts for power. - Incorrect: They have a lust about money.
Correct: They have a lust for money. - Incorrect: He lusts to success.
Correct: He lusts for success.
Remember, always use “lust for” followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Differences / Synonyms
“Lust for sth” is similar to phrases like “crave,” “yearn for,” or “desire.” However, it often carries a stronger, more intense, or sometimes even negative connotation.
- Lust for implies a powerful, sometimes uncontrollable desire.
- Crave often relates to strong physical or emotional needs.
- Yearn for suggests a deep longing, often with sadness or patience.
- Desire is a general term for wanting something strongly.
For example, “lust for power” suggests a fierce and possibly dangerous desire, while “yearn for peace” sounds more gentle and hopeful.
Common Collocations
People use “lust for” with various nouns to express strong desires. Here are common collocations with their meanings:
- Lust for power: A strong desire to control or dominate.
- Lust for money: Intense craving for wealth.
- Lust for life: Passionate enthusiasm for living.
- Lust for adventure: Desire to explore and experience new things.
- Lust for success: Strong ambition to achieve goals.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of lust for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “lust for sth”:
Anna: Why do you think he always wants to be the boss?
Ben: I believe he has a real lust for power. It’s like nothing else matters to him.
Anna: That makes sense. He’s always chasing promotions.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “lust for sth”:
- She _______ _______ adventure and new challenges.
- Many politicians have a _______ _______ power.
- His _______ _______ success is clear in everything he does.
- They _______ _______ wealth more than happiness.
Answers: lusts for; lust for; lust for; lust for
FAQs
- What does “lust for sth” mean?
It means having a very strong desire or craving for something. - Is “lust for sth” positive or negative?
It can be both, depending on context. Sometimes it shows passion, other times obsession. - Can I use “lust for” with abstract ideas?
Yes, you can use it with things like power, life, success, or adventure. - Is “lust for sth” formal?
It is somewhat formal and often used in writing or serious speech. - Can I say “lust after sth” instead?
“Lust after” is less common; “lust for” is the correct and standard phrase.
