Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
NEED
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English ned, from Old English nīed, nēd; akin to Old High German nōt distress, need, Old Prussian nautin need Date: before 12th century necessary duty ; obligation ,
2. a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful, a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism, a condition requiring supply or relief, lack of the means of subsistence ; poverty ,
II. verb (needed; needing; needs or (auxiliary) need) Date: before 12th century intransitive verb to be needful or necessary, to be in want, transitive verb to be in need of ; require , verb al auxiliary be under necessity or obligation to