intr.v. yearned, yearn·ing, yearns 1. To have a strong, often sad longing: yearn for a better life; yearn to see an old friend. 2. To feel deep pity, sympathy, or tenderness: yearned over the child's fate. [Middle English yernen, from Old English geornan, giernan; see gher-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] yearner n. |
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