The desiderative at times is used to indicate strong desire. Example: desiderative forms of labh — lipsu, lipsA. In MW, this can mean the simple desire to gain or obtain, or “longing for”. To long — to have “a strong wish or desire.”

Best,

Howard

Monier Williams has errors. An example is meaning of the gavī as an “independent word” for speech and the citation of Śiśupālavadha 2-68 which is incorrect. In this case (‘lipsā’) there is no precise citation also. 

The etymology (yoga) of ‘lipsā’ (‘labdhum icchā’, labh + san + a + ṭāp) does not suggest any intensity in the desire. If one wants to go for usage (rūḍhi), it is better to cross-check with Sanskrit Koṣa-s and attested usages than take M-W for granted.

As per Amarakoṣa (1-7-27,28), there is a clear distinction between ‘lipsā’ which is listed with words for desire, and ‘lālasā’ which is explained as intense desire or longing (grammar would confirm this):

……………………………………………………………. dohadam

icchā kāṅkṣā spṛhehā tṛḍvāñchā lipsā manorathaḥ

kāmo’bhilāṣastarṣaśca so’tyarthaṃ lālasā dvayoḥ

The Vyākhyāsudhā on above verses explains that the first twelve are synonyms of ‘icchā’ (and also ) and the word ‘lālasā’ is a synonym of ‘atiprīti’