What does the phrasal verb “die for” mean?

What are the definitions of “die for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Want something a lot.

  I'm DYING FOR the weekend- this week's been so hard.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “die for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb die for is to want something very much or to have a strong desire for something. It is often used to express a strong craving or longing for something.

What are the different verb forms of “die for”?

Root Verb	die for
Third Person Singular Present	dies for
Present Participle	dying for
Simple Past	died for
Past Participle	died for

Example

I would die for a slice of pizza right now.

Example

She dies for a chance to meet her favorite celebrity.

Example

He is dying for the opportunity to travel the world.

Example

Yesterday, they died for a break from their busy schedule.

Example

I have died for a vacation for months now.

What kind of phrasal verb is “die for”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“die for” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I am dying for a cup of coffee.

Example

She was dying for a chance to relax.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“die for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I am dying for a cup of coffee.

Example

She was dying for a chance to relax.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “die for”?

Die for someone

To be willing to sacrifice one's life for someone else.

Example

He loved her so much that he would die for her.

Die for a cause

To be willing to sacrifice one's life for a particular belief or goal.

Example

Many people have died for their country in times of war.

To die for

Used to describe something that is extremely desirable or enjoyable.

Example

This chocolate cake is to die for; it's so delicious!

Good things to know

Does “die for” have an informal or formal tone?

Die for is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “die for”?

Synonyms

• crave
• desire
• long for
• yearn for
• pine for
• hanker for
• ache for

Antonyms

• dislike
• detest
• abhor
• loathe
• despise
• reject
• hate