the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior; "we did not understand his motivation"; "he acted with the best of motives"

a primal periodic or prolonged urge to reduce some discomfort - like hunger, sex, thirst, fear, and boredom

a significant physical, psychological, or spiritual discomfort

a motivated state caused by physiological deprivation, such as a lack of food or water. (377)

A physical state involving any lack or deficit within the organism. See also drive, motive.

A need is the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a goal and the reason for the action, giving purpose and direction to behavior.