What does "demand" mean?

1. (to ask forcefully) to ask for something in a very firm way because you believe you have a right to it. 2. (to require) to need a lot of time, effort, or attention. 3. (a forceful request) a very firm statement that someone must do something. 4. (economic desire) the desire of people to buy a particular product or service. 5. (pressure or burden) the difficult things that you are required to do.

How do you use "demand"?

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object or a 'that' clause. Often used in the phrase 'in demand' to describe something popular. Usually used in the plural form 'demands'.

Is it correct to say "He demanded for an apology."?

No — say "He demanded an apology.". The verb 'demand' is transitive and takes a direct object; do not use the preposition 'for'.

demand

v. · n.

US //dɪˈmænd// UK //dɪmˈɑːnd// de·mand

1 to ask forcefully (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to ask for something in a very firm way because you believe you have a right to it.

to request something forcefully or authoritatively, often implying that the speaker has the right to receive it.

Example

The angry customers began to demand a full refund for the broken flight.

Example

The protesters gathered outside the embassy to demand the immediate release of the political prisoners held without trial.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object or a 'that' clause.
- request
- plead
Pitfall

He demanded for an apology.

He demanded an apology.

The verb 'demand' is transitive and takes a direct object; do not use the preposition 'for'.
2 to require (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to need a lot of time, effort, or attention.

to require or call for as necessary or urgent.

Example

This difficult project will demand all of your concentration this week.

Example

The intricate nature of the surgery demands absolute precision and years of specialised training from the medical team.

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3 a forceful request (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a very firm statement that someone must do something.

an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right.

Example

The strikers ignored the company's demand to return to work immediately.

Example

The kidnappers issued a formal demand for ransom, specifying a deadline that left the authorities little time to negotiate.
- suggestion
4 economic desire (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Economics

the desire of people to buy a particular product or service.

the desire of consumers, clients, or users for a particular commodity or service.

Example

There is a huge demand for electric cars as fuel prices continue to rise.

Example

Economists noted that while supply remained steady, the sudden surge in consumer demand drove prices to record highs.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'in demand' to describe something popular.
- market
- appetite
- supply
5 pressure or burden (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the difficult things that you are required to do.

the taxing or exhausting requirements of a task, job, or situation.

Example

The demands of her new job meant she had very little time for her family.

Example

The physical demands of professional athletics often lead to chronic injuries that persist long after a player has retired.

Usage

Usually used in the plural form 'demands'.

Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē- Proto-Indo-European *(s)meh₂-der. Proto-Italic *manus Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- Proto-Indo-European *dʰéh₁tder. Proto-Italic *-ðō Proto-Italic *manuðō Latin mandō Latin dēmandō Old French demanderbor. Middle English demaunden English demand From late Middle English demaunden, from Old French demander, from Latin dēmandō, dēmandāre.