gratification

[grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.

   Synonyms: comfort, enjoyment, delight, relish, pleasure

2. something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.

3. the act of gratifying. gratifying.

4. Archaic.,  a reward, recompense, or gratuity.

Other Word Forms

• nongratification noun
• overgratification noun
• pregratification noun
• supergratification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratification¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation

Example Sentences

Something you could look for, instead, is people with hobbies that have delayed gratification, Lee suggested.

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"An adrenaline rush, an ego boost, a full sense of worth, a selfish gratification with no rewards, at cost to others. What I lost, what we have lost, cannot be found nor replaced."

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“It makes us feel good. It’s visibly different. It’s instant gratification.”

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Furthermore, the Trumpian theory of power and the political conclusions it supports create a mutual feedback loop of reinforcement and gratification.

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Friends of Big Bear Valley had been issuing warnings ahead of Independence Day, saying it was opposed to a local fireworks that would result in “devastation created for 30 minutes of instant gratification.”

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Related Words

• enjoyment 
• fulfillment 
• joy 
• luxury 
• pleasure