satisfy

verb sat·is·fy \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of satisfy

satisfied; satisfying

transitive verb

1 a : to carry out the terms of (something, such as a contract) : discharge

b : to meet a financial obligation to

2 : to make reparation to (an injured party) : indemnify

3 a : to make happy : please

b : to gratify to the full : appease

4 a : convince

b : to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : dispel

5 a : 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 \ˈsa-təs-ˌfī-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

The challenge and team work of the Emergency Department were intensely satisfying.

— courant.com, "Jonathan Bailey Gaddis," 8 Apr. 2018
Any other combination would satisfy the appetite, as well.

— avi creditor, SI.com, "Does Any Trailing Team Have a Comeback Shot in Champions League Quarterfinals?," 6 Apr. 2018
That’s one of the things that is most satisfying about the film.

— bill goodykoontz, azcentral, "In John Krasinski's 'A Quiet Place,' silence is chilling," 5 Apr. 2018
Teams are tested to think on their feet, work as a team and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the challenges.

— staff report, Houston Chronicle, "Destination Imagination team advances," 4 Apr. 2018
This allowed us to formulate a simple guideline for discharge opioid prescribing that would satisfy at least 85 percent of patients’ home opioid needs.

— richard j. barth, STAT, "Trump wants to reduce opioid prescriptions by one-third. We can start now," 30 Mar. 2018
If the lawsuit is successful, someone — possibly the Legislature or the courts — would have to create a process that satisfies both demands.

— michael smolens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A different Calif. election system would have boosted Bernie," 29 Mar. 2018
The obscure but important state rule declares that carmakers that satisfy the EPA's tailpipe greenhouse gas standards automatically fulfill California's rules too.

— bloomberg, latimes.com, "As Trump begins dismantling auto efficiency rules, California is doubling down on its own, sources say," 27 Mar. 2018
The state has proposed increasing mental health staff in prisons as part of an effort to come up with a plan that would satisfy the court.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Gov. Kay Ivey signs contract for health care in Alabama prisons," 19 Mar. 2018

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

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satisfy Synonyms

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

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

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

1 a : 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

Learn More about satisfy

See words that rhyme with satisfy Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for satisfy Spanish Central: Translation of satisfy Nglish: Translation of satisfy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of satisfy for Arabic speakers

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satisfy

Definition of satisfy

satisfyingly

Examples of satisfy in a Sentence

Recent Examples of satisfy from the Web

Origin and Etymology of satisfy

satisfy Synonyms

Synonyms

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SATISFY Defined for English Language Learners

satisfy

Definition of satisfy for English Language Learners

SATISFY Defined for Kids

satisfy

Definition of satisfy for Students

Law Dictionary

satisfy

legal Definition of satisfy

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