Main Entry: en·ter·tain

Pronunciation: \ˌen-tər-ˈtān\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 a archaic : maintain b obsolete : receive
2 : to show hospitality to <entertain guests>
3 a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind <I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity> b : to receive and take into consideration <refused to entertain our plea>
4 : to provide entertainment for
5 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or courtintransitive verb : to provide entertainment especially for guests

synonyms see amuse

— en·ter·tain·er noun