entertain

[en-ter-teyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.

   Synonyms: regale, beguile
   Antonyms: bore

2. to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.

3. to admit into the mind; consider.

   He never entertained such ideas.

   Antonyms: reject

4. to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish.

   They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.

5. Archaic.,  to maintain or keep up.

6. Obsolete.,  to give admittance or reception to; receive.

verb (used without object)

1. to exercise hospitality; entertain company; provide entertainment for guests.

   They loved to talk, dance, and entertain.

entertain

/ ˌɛntəˈteɪn /

verb

1. to provide amusement for (a person or audience)

2. to show hospitality to (guests)

3. (tr) to hold in the mind

   to entertain an idea

Other Word Forms

• overentertained adjective
• preentertain verb (used with object)
• unentertained adjective
• well-entertained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entertain¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of entertain¹

C15: from Old French entretenir, from entre- mutually + tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre

Synonym Study

See amuse.

Example Sentences

Addressing Miss Wandelt, Mr Duck KC said: "Do you entertain the possibility that Gerry had something to do with the disappearance of his own daughter?"

Read more on BBC

And with it come questions of how to entertain ourselves in that spirit.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Under Lewis, the 'inspire and entertain' mantra did not suit everyone, and it became muddled - particularly with younger players who, purely through lack of experience, had not yet cracked 50-over cricket.

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Kruglov’s sister said he was a churchgoer and quietly did good deeds, like entertaining children, dressing up as Santa Claus, cooking for parishioners, cleaning, and giving free rides to the elderly.

Read more on Salon

Moving outside, guests can entertain and lounge at one of the many areas.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• beguile 
• captivate 
• charm 
• cheer 
• comfort 
• delight 
• distract 
• enthrall 
• gratify 
• inspire 
• please 
• regale 
• relax 
• satisfy