To have a very strong, often physical or passionate desire for someone or something.
To really, really want someone (in a romantic or physical way) or to want something very badly.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To feel strong sexual or romantic desire for another person.
"He had been secretly lusting after his neighbor for years before finally asking her out."
"Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
— The Bible, Matthew 5:28 (King James Version)
To have an intense, passionate craving for a material object, power, status, or experience.
"She had been lusting after that designer handbag for months before finally buying it."
Can refer to sexual desire for a person or intense desire for an object, experience, or achievement. When used about people, it nearly always implies physical or sexual attraction. When used about things (e.g., 'lusting after a sports car'), it is colorful and hyperbolic. Not typically rude, but context-dependent.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "lust after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.