nɪˈsesɪtɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a an indispensible
thing; a
necessary (central
heating is a necessity). b (usu. foll. by of) indispensability (the necessity of a
warm overcoat). 2 a
state of things or circumstances enforcing a
certain course (there
was a necessity to hurry). 3
imperative need (necessity is
the mother of invention). 4
want;
poverty;
hardship (stole
because of necessity). 5
constraint or
compulsion regarded as a
natural law governing
all human action. øof necessity unavoidably. [ME f. OF necessit÷ f. L necessitas -tatis f. necesse needful]