entertain

/ˌˈɛntərˌˈteɪn/

/ɛntəˈteɪn/

Other forms: entertained; entertaining; entertains

If you want to entertain, you've got to hold people's attention, usually with something amusing. Clowns, music, silly jokes, and a good game of charades can all be used to entertain.

Did you know you can actually entertain ideas? It's not quite the same as entertaining friends with a good home cooked meal or tickets to the ball game, but still an appropriate way to use the word. To entertain an idea means to have it in mind or under consideration. For example, you never thought of studying abroad, but after a professor said it was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, you started to entertain the idea of living in a foreign country.

Definitions of entertain

1. verb

   provide entertainment for
   types:

   host

   be the host of or for

   amuse, disport, divert, regale

   occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

   banquet, feast, junket

   provide a feast or banquet for

   wine and dine

   provide with food and drink, usually lavishly

   compere, emcee

   act as a master of ceremonies

   do the honors

   act as the host and receive or introduce one's guests

   type of:

   socialise, socialize

   take part in social activities; interact with others
2. verb

   take into consideration, have in view
   “He entertained the notion of moving to South America”

   synonyms: flirt with, think about, think of, toy with

   type of:

   contemplate

   consider as a possibility
3. verb

   maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
   “entertain interesting notions”

   synonyms: harbor, harbour, hold, nurse

   type of:

   experience, feel

   undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind