Definitions of demand:

• noun:   the act of demanding

  Example: "The kidnapper's exorbitant demands for money"

• noun:   an urgent or peremptory request

  Example: "His demands for attention were unceasing"

• noun:   the ability and desire to purchase goods and services

  Example: "The automobile reduced the demand for buggywhips"

• noun:   required activity

  Example: "There were many demands on his time"

• noun:   a condition requiring relief

  Example: "There is a demand for jobs"

• verb:   request urgently and forcefully

  Example: "The victim's family is demanding compensation"

• verb:   claim as due or just

  Example: "The bank demanded payment of the loan"

• verb:   ask to be informed of

  Example: "I demand an explanation"

• verb:   summon to court
• verb:   lay legal claim to
• verb:   require as useful, just, or proper

  Example: "This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice"