to want something very much, especially something that you know you should not want
Even after all these years I still hanker after a motorbike.
phrasehanker after hanker after/for sth to want something very much, especially something that it is difficult for you to get: Now and then I really hanker for big home-cooked meals.It's always better to have money than to hanker after it.■ SIMILAR TO: long for, crave
hanker after (something)
To have a very strong, persistent desire or craving for something. I've been hankering after sushi ever since I came back from Tokyo last month.The former heavyweight champion has been hankering after a chance to reclaim her title.
hanker after someone or something
and hanker for someone or something
Rur. to want someone or something; to long for someone or something. I hanker after a nice big beefsteak for dinner.