What is the meaning of 'badly' in this context?

[learning54]

Hi teachers,
What is the meaning of 'badly' in this context?
They want him badly–dead or alive. Why do they want him dead?’

Thanks in advance.

[bhaisahab]

Hi teachers,
What is the meaning of 'badly' in this context?
They want him badly–dead or alive. Why do they want him dead?’

Thanks in advance.

"They want him badly" means that they really want him. As to why they want him dead, the context would probably tell us.

[5jj]

They want him badly - they want him very much.

They don't care if he is brought in alive or dead. If he's alive, they can imprison or execute him. If he's dead, they can save themselves the trouble.

[charliedeut]

Hi,

See #4 here.

charliedeut

[learning54]

Hi,
Thank you for all your replies.

Then, according to the meaning, the question could be, 'How much did they want him dead or alive?', couldnt' it?

L.