satisfy

/ˌsædəˈsfaɪ/

/ˈsætɪsfaɪ/

Other forms: satisfied; satisfying; satisfies

To satisfy is to fulfill or meet a want, need, requirement, or expectation. A brilliant paper on Edgar Allan Poe might satisfy a literature class requirement, and a candy bar might satisfy a craving for chocolate.

Since there are so many things we need and want, there are lots of ways to satisfy us. Eating a sandwich will satisfy your hunger. Overhearing a conversation could satisfy your curiosity. Going to school should satisfy your desire for knowledge. In college, you'll have to take certain classes to satisfy requirements of your degree. The word comes from the Latin satisfacere, which basically means “do enough.”

Definitions of satisfy

1. verb

   meet the requirements or expectations of
   synonyms: fulfil, fulfill, live up to

   antonyms:

   fall short of

   fail to satisfy, as of expectations, for example

   types:

   answer, do, serve, suffice

   be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

   cover

   provide for

   bridge over, keep going, tide over

   suffice for a period between two points

   go a long way

   suffice or be adequate for a while or to a certain extent

   function, serve

   serve a purpose, role, or function

   measure up, qualify

   prove capable or fit; meet requirements

   go around

   be sufficient

   type of:

   conform to, fit, meet

   satisfy a condition or restriction
2. verb

   fill or meet a want or need
   synonyms: fill, fulfil, fulfill, meet

   types:

   answer

   be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of

   appease, quell, stay

   overcome or allay

   feed on, feed upon

   be sustained by

   allay, assuage, quench, slake

   satisfy (thirst)

   type of:

   cater, ply, provide, supply

   give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
3. verb

   make happy or satisfied
   synonyms: gratify

   antonyms:

   dissatisfy

   fail to 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