gratify

verb

grat·​i·​fy ˈgra-tə-ˌfī 

gratified; gratifying

transitive verb

1

: to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to

it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels

—Willa Cather

2

: to give in to : indulge, satisfy

gratify a whim

3

archaic : remunerate, reward

Did you know?

A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and "instant gratification" of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.

Synonyms

• cater (to)
• humor
• indulge

Examples of gratify in a Sentence

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives.

He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.

Recent Examples on the Web

But for now, the Quest is an actual product circulating in the market, which is why the next item may be more immediately gratifying. —Adriana Lee, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024

Finally, Kuhn says he is gratified that a passion for consciousness can bring together people from different nations, regions, religions, races, ethnicities, genders, educational and income levels. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

Libra September 23 – October 22 An impulse buy could be especially gratifying at this time. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2024

Ellis’ parents said seeing their daughter grow from those South Florida roots has been gratifying. —Jackson Castellano, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French gratifier, from Latin gratificari to show kindness to, from gratus + -ificari, passive of -ificare -ify

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

gratify

verb

grat·​i·​fy ˈgrat-ə-ˌfī 

gratified; gratifying

1

: to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to

2

: to grant a favor to : indulge

gratification

ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun