yearn、long与thirst这些动词均含“渴望”之意。

yearn : 通常指急迫不安地渴望或向往，着重怀有柔情或热情。

• Despite his great commercial success he still yearns for critical approval.
  尽管他获得了巨大的票房成功，但还是渴望得到评论家的认可。
• Sometimes I just yearn to be alone.
  有时我只想一人独处。

long : 指诚心诚意地渴望某事或物。

• She longed to see him again.
  她很想再见到他。
• I'm longing for news of him.
  我正在盼望着得到他的消息。

thirst : 原义指对食物或饮料的渴求，引申指全力以求。

• He's always had a thirst for adventure.
  他总是渴望冒险。