satisfy

play

verb sat·is·fy \ˈsa-təs-ˌfī\

Definition of satisfy

satisfied

;

satisfying

transitive verb
1a : to carry out the terms of (something, such as a contract) : dischargeb : to meet a financial obligation to
2 : to make reparation to (an injured party) : indemnify
3a : to make happy : pleaseb : to gratify to the full : appease
4a : convinceb : to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : dispel
5a : to conform to (specifications) : be adequate to (an end in view)b : to make true by fulfilling a condition values that satisfy an equation satisfy a hypothesis
intransitive verb
: to be adequate : suffice; also : please

satisfyingly

play \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

See satisfy defined for English-language learners

See satisfy defined for kids

Examples of satisfy in a Sentence

Nothing satisfies her so much as doing a good job.
The movie's ending failed to satisfy audiences.
His curiosity was satisfied by their explanation.
They have satisfied themselves that the story is only a rumor.

Recent Examples of satisfy from the Web

But there's a big, outstanding question as to whether McConnell can satisfy the demands from Cruz and co. to move the bill in a rightward direction.

— paige winfield cunningham, Washington Post, "The Health 202: Mollifying conservatives on health care is harder than satisfying moderates", 5 July 2017
We're reminded of the endless stream of pimple-popping videos that have taken over the Internet lately, which fans love for their gross-yet-satisfying appeal.

— sarah wu, Teen Vogue, "Watch These Slow-Motion Videos of Piercings", 29 June 2017
DOJ had tried unsuccessful to sell the property at a price that would satisfy the tax lean, which was more than $23,000, but was unable to find a buyer, officials said.

— carrie napoleon, Post-Tribune, "Gary man submits winning bid in rare property auction", 23 June 2017
Because of the peanut’s appetite-satisfying crunch and long shelf-life, the nut traveled with sailors around the world to Africa and Asia, where peanuts and peanut oil quickly became staples.

— nicola twilley, The Atlantic, "The Peril and Promise of Peanut Butter", 23 June 2017
Ghurani has chosen not to carry medical malpractice insurance but agreed to satisfy any judgments against him up to the statutory limit of $250,000.

— daniel chang, miamiherald, "Woman died of fat clot in lung from liposuction at Miami clinic, autopsy says", 22 June 2017
Each of these jobs is in its own right like hitting the jackpot, and both satisfy something in me that the other alone wouldn’t.

— lauren christensen, Harper's BAZAAR, "Emily Hampshire Balances Polar Opposites on Schitt's Creek and 12 Monkeys", 19 June 2017
Satisfied the drug is being well tolerated by his patient, Mandel bumps up the infusion rate, delivering the payload that will spike the ketamine in her bloodstream.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression", 19 June 2017
Offred’s precarious position in the Waterford house, Janine’s tragedy, Moira’s escape plan—toward satisfying stopping points that also cleverly tease possibilities for the season to come.

— laura bradley, VanityFair.com, "Handmaid’s Tale: Show-Runner Bruce Miller Breaks Down That Cliffhanger Ending", 14 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'satisfy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of satisfy

Middle English satisfien, from Anglo-French satisfier, modification of Latin satisfacere, from satis enough + facere to do, make — more at sad, do

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of satisfy

pay, compensate, remunerate, satisfy, reimburse, indemnify, repay, recompense mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred. paid their bills compensate implies a making up for services rendered. an attorney well compensated for her services remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for. promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law. all creditors will be satisfied in full reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit. reimbursed employees for expenses indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare. indemnified the families of the dead miners repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount. repay a favor with a favor recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward. passengers were recompensed for the delay

SATISFY Defined for English Language Learners

satisfy

play

verb

Definition of satisfy for English Language Learners

: to cause (someone) to be happy or pleased
: to provide, do, or have what is required by (someone or something)
: to cause (someone) to believe that something is true

SATISFY Defined for Kids

satisfy

play

verb sat·is·fy \ˈsa-təs-ˌfī\

Definition of satisfy for Students

satisfied

;

satisfying

1 : to make happy or contented Everyone was satisfied with the compromise.
2 : to meet the needs of The meal satisfied our hunger.
3 : convince We are satisfied the story is true.
4 : to do what has been agreed upon The contract has been satisfied.

Law Dictionary

satisfy

transitive verb sat·is·fy

Legal Definition of satisfy

satisfied

satisfying

1a : to carry out the terms or obligation of (as by payment of money) refused to satisfy the judgment against her satisfy a condition precedent; broadly : to cause to be discharged, settled, or paid sought to satisfy his claim against the debtor b : to meet an obligation to satisfy a creditor
2 : to convince by argument or evidence
3 : to conform to satisfy requirements