Collins English-English Dictionary

wish [wɪʃ]

1. 1. vb [when tr, takes a clause as object or an infinitive; when intr, often foll by for] to want or desire (something, often that which cannot be or is not the case)

   I wish I lived in Italy

   to wish for peace

2. 2. vt. [tr] to feel or express a desire or hope concerning the future or fortune of

   I wish you well

3. 3. vt. [tr] to desire or prefer to be as specified

4. 4. vt. [tr] to greet as specified; bid

   he wished us good afternoon

5. 5. vt. [tr] [formal] to order politely

   I wish you to come at three o'clock

6. 6. n the act of wishing; the expression of some desire or mental inclination

   to make a wish

7. 7. n something desired or wished for

   he got his wish

8. 8. n [usually plural] expressed hopes or desire, esp for someone's welfare, health, etc

9. 9. n [often plural] [formal] a polite order or request

10. 10. n See also wish on

11. 11. n [Etymology] Old English wyscan; related to Old Norse öskja, German wünschen, Dutch wenschen