gratify

/ˌgrædəˈfaɪ/

Other forms: gratified; gratifying; gratifies

To gratify is to satisfy. Bringing home an A in math would gratify your math tutor. Gratify can also mean to give in. You probably shouldn't gratify your urge to scream in class.

Gratify comes from the Latin gratificari, "oblige," and gratus, "pleasing." The word still carries those meanings. Gratify always takes an object, so you have to gratify something or someone. Gratifying praise will make you feel good about all the work you put in on your science project. Gratify your thirst for vocabulary by using this word correctly!

Definitions of gratify

1. verb

   make happy or satisfied
   synonyms: satisfy

   types:

   delight, please

   give pleasure to or be pleasing to

   please

   give satisfaction

   content

   make content

   endear

   make attractive or lovable

   delight, enchant, enrapture, enthral, enthrall, ravish, transport

   hold spellbound
2. verb

   yield (to); give satisfaction to
   synonyms: indulge, pander

   types:

   humor, humour

   put into a good mood

   spree

   engage without restraint in an activity and indulge, as when shopping

   sow one's oats, sow one's wild oats

   live promiscuously and self-indulgently

   type of:

   cater, ply, provide, supply

   give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance