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appetite
This word evokes a physical sensation of emptiness or craving that demands filling. While it is most often linked to hunger, it carries a visceral quality that makes it more intense than a simple preference or a wish. It suggests a driving force that pushes a person toward a goal. When used in a non-food context, it often describes an ambition or a greed for power, knowledge, or sensation. In these cases, the word implies a capacity for consumption, suggesting that the person can absorb or handle a large amount of a specific experience without becoming saturated.
Countable when referring to a specific type of craving, such as an appetite for adventure. Uncountable when referring to the general physiological drive to eat.
Meanings
A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.
"He had a hearty appetite after the long hike."
A strong desire or liking for a particular activity or experience.
"The young investor had an insatiable appetite for risk."