disport

American  

[dih-spawrt, -spohrt] / dɪˈspɔrt, -ˈspoʊrt /

verb (used with object)

1. to divert or amuse (oneself ).

2. to display (oneself ) in a sportive manner.

   The picnickers disported themselves merrily on the beach.

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verb (used without object)

1. to divert oneself; sport.

noun

1. diversion; amusement; play; sport.

disport British  

/ dɪˈspɔːt /

verb

1. (tr) to indulge (oneself) in pleasure

2. (intr) to frolic or gambol

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noun

1. archaic amusement

Other Word Forms

• disportment
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disport

1275–1325; (v.) Middle English disporten, desporten < Anglo-French desporter, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + porter literally, to carry ( see port ⁵); (noun) Middle English < Anglo-French, derivative of the v.

Explanation

Visitors to an elementary school during recess may be surprised by the way the kids disport themselves. Disport means to play in a carefree way or to amuse yourself in a lighthearted fashion. To correctly pronounce disport, accent the second syllable: "dih-SPORT." It comes from the French word desporter, which means "to carry away" or "to entertain." Think of disport as what kids do when they have so much fun playing that they get carried away, forgetting all about school until the bell rings. You might disport yourself by frolicking at the beach with friends and enjoying lively conversation.

Example Sentences

But tell me, Jakko, dost thou see The same old sprightly crew Disport with unembarrassed glee, As we were wont to do?

From Rhymes of the East and Re-collected Verses by Kendall, John (AKA Dum-Dum)

The Maying and Disport is better known as the Complaynt of a Lover's Life, or the Complaynt of the Black Knight.

From The Story of Books by Rawlings, Gertrude Burford

The Maying or Disport of Chaucer is the most perfect specimen remaining, and its exact date can be ascertained from its colophon, which reads as follows:— Heir endis the maying and disport of Chaucer.

From The Story of Books by Rawlings, Gertrude Burford

Disport, dis-pōrt′, v.t. and v.i. usually reflexive, to divert, amuse, enjoy one's self: to move in gaiety.—n.

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

These early productions, which survive only in fragments, included The Porteous of Noblenes, The Knightly Tale of Golagros and Gawane, Sir Eglamoure of Artoys, The Maying or Disport of Chaucer, and several others.

From The Story of Books by Rawlings, Gertrude Burford