want for

want someone for something 

1. to desire someone for some job or purpose. I want Fred for my team. We all want you for a candidate.

2. to hunt or seek someone as a criminal suspect. The police want Max for questioning. They want him for a number of crimes.

See also: want

want something for someone or something

to desire to have something for someone or something. I want a gift for my wife. What would you suggest? I want a button for my shirt.

See also: want

want for something

Fig. to lack something; to need something. I certainly don't want for advice. In fact, I have had too much. We don't want for helpers around here.

See also: want

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want for something (slightly formal)

to lack something that you need We didn't have much, but we never wanted for food.

See also: want