Quote:
Originally Posted by jiang  ...
Simple survival needs like hunger, thirst, and sexual desire are relatively clear-cut, and we quickly learn what particular discomfort is attached to the "denial of these basic needs".
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The verb
deny, apart from its more common meaning ('say that ... not') can also mean 'withdraw/deprive of'; and
attached to means
linked to or
associated with. What that clause is saying is:
'We quickly learn the particular [sort of] discomfort that withdrawing basic things like food and drink can cause.'
b
ps - I'm not being prudish by not mentioning sex in my example; I just don't agree that the withdrawal of 'sexual
desire' (or indeed plain
sex) causes 'particular discomfort'.
I can think of other needs the denial of which can cause physical pain.