need

Universal Words verb, modal verb, noun verb 1 to require sth/sb because they are essential or very important, not just because you would like to have them: [VN] Do you need any help? * It's here if you need it. * Don't go-I might need you. * They badly needed a change. * Food aid is urgently needed. * What do you need your own computer for? You can use ours. * (spoken) I don't need your comments, thank you. * [Vtoinf] I need to get some sleep. * He needs to win this game to stay in the match. * You don't need to leave yet, do you? * [V-ing, Vtoinf] This shirt needs washing. * This shirt needs to be washed. 2 [Vtoinf] used to show what you should or have to do: All you need to do is complete this form. * I didn't need to go to the bank after all-Mary lent me the money. -< MODAL IDIOMS need (to have) your head examined (informal) to be crazy modal verb (negative need not, short form needn't was necessary: You needn't finish that work today. * You needn't have hurried )= it was not necessary for you to hurry, but you did(. * I need hardly tell you )= you must already know( that the work is dangerous. * If she wants anything, she need only ask. * All you need bring are sheets. * Need you have paid so much? noun 1 [sing.,U] ~ )for sth(