entertain
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
- Antonyms:
- bore
-
to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.
-
to admit into the mind; consider.
He never entertained such ideas.
- Antonyms:
- reject
-
to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish.
They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.
-
Archaic. to maintain or keep up.
-
Obsolete. to give admittance or reception to; receive.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to provide amusement for (a person or audience)
-
to show hospitality to (guests)
-
(tr) to hold in the mind
to entertain an idea
Related Words
See amuse.
Other Word Forms
- overentertained adjective
- preentertain verb (used with object)
- unentertained adjective
- well-entertained adjective
Etymology
Origin of entertain
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English entertenen “to hold mutually,” from Middle French entretenir, ultimately from Vulgar Latin intertenēre (unrecorded), from Latin inter- inter- + tenēre “to hold”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lion and dragon dancers perform on the Great Wall of China, in Badaling, to entertain visitors who have come to enjoy the illuminated monument during the Year of the Horse celebrations.
From Barron's
And while the markets currently don’t recognize any possibility of a rate hike, it’s become clear that some Fed officials are actively entertaining that prospect.
From MarketWatch
But there’s more at stake than entertaining ourselves.
From Los Angeles Times
“Step outside to a private backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and upgraded decking, perfect for entertaining or relaxing Texas-style,” the listing notes.
From MarketWatch
Among the other stars was Ally McCoist, and we were treated to take after take of attempted overhead kicks on a long but entertaining afternoon.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
