Demand  —n. 1 insistent and peremptory request. 2 desire for a commodity (no demand for fur coats). 3 urgent claim (makes demands on her). —v. 1 (often foll. By of, from, or to + infin., or that + clause) ask for insistently (demanded to know). 2 require (task demanding skill). 3 insist on being told (demanded her age). 4 (as demanding adj.) Requiring skill, effort, attention, etc. (demanding job; demanding child).  in demand sought after. On demand as soon as requested (payable on demand). [french from latin: related to *mandate]