satisfy

verb sat·is·fy \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī \

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

If Cleveland isn't satisfied with its findings on Thomas, the club could scrap the trade.

— tom withers, chicagotribune.com, "Cavaliers reportedly reviewing Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade," 26 Aug. 2017
The expert and his team also listed several reasons why material purchases end up feeling less than satisfying.

— jessica mattern, Country Living, "Why Spending Your Money on Experiences—Not Things—Will Make You Happier," 24 Aug. 2017
Seeing Gendry onscreen again is arguably up there in Game of Thrones' rare satisfying moments, along with watching Sansa kill Ramsay Bolton and realizing the R+L=J theory is true.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Joe Dempsie on Game of Thrones’s Most Satisfying Character Return," 14 Aug. 2017
This satisfies the requirements for earning official insect study scout badge learning about insect adaptations; effects on us and the environment; field collection and identification.

— The Aegis, "Get out, enjoy nature at Eden Mill," 24 July 2017
The simplest idea would be to prolong the status quo for three or four years, but that would not satisfy those who are keen to get on with leaving.

— The Economist, "The six flavours of Brexit," 22 July 2017
Heyn emphasizes that the virtual minyan will not satisfy the requirements of all Jews in regards to how to conduct a prayer service.

— marvin glassman, Jewish Journal, "Miami temple offers virtual minyan service," 19 July 2017
City officials said Inland Seafood paid back that first loan and satisfied the terms of their agreement.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Birmingham approves $4.3 million in financial incentives for Inland Seafood expansion," 18 July 2017
Gantt said he was not satisfied by Cantwell’s response.

— bob young, The Seattle Times, "Health-care worries loom large as Sen. Maria Cantwell holds town hall," 8 July 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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satisfy Synonyms

Synonyms

assuage, quench, sate, satiate, slake

Antonyms

breach, break, transgress, violate

Related Words

cater (to), gratify, humor, indulge; alleviate, lighten, relieve; cloy, saturate, surfeit

Near Antonyms

arouse, excite, pique, stimulate; tantalize, tease

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

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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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Origin and Etymology of satisfy

satisfy Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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Synonym Discussion of satisfy

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SATISFY Defined for English Language Learners

satisfy

Definition of satisfy for English Language Learners

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satisfy

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satisfy

legal Definition of satisfy

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