dissatisfy

American  

[dis-sat-is-fahy] / dɪsˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

dissatisfied, dissatisfying

1. to cause to be displeased, especially by failing to provide something expected or desired.

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dissatisfy British  

/ dɪsˈsætɪsˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to fail to satisfy; disappoint

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Etymology

Origin of dissatisfy

First recorded in 1660–70; dis- ¹ + satisfy

Explanation

When you dissatisfy someone, you don't meet their expectations. If you promise your dad a chocolate cake for his birthday, giving him a bran muffin instead might dissatisfy him. To satisfy someone is to fulfill what they need or hope for — and when you dissatisfy them, you fail to do that. Your final research paper might dissatisfy your history professor, and an expensive meal will dissatisfy you if you believe you could cook something even tastier at home. Dissatisfy combines dis-, "do the opposite of," with satisfy, from its Latin root satisfacere, "discharge fully" or "do enough."

Example Sentences

Dissatisfy, dis-sat′is-fī, v.t. not to satisfy: to make discontented: to displease.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• disappoint
• perturb