satisfy
Americanverb (used with object)
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to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of (a person, the mind, etc.); give full contentment to.
The hearty meal satisfied him.
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to put an end to (a desire, want, need, etc.) by sufficient or ample provision.
The hearty meal satisfied his hunger.
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to give assurance to; convince.
to satisfy oneself by investigation.
- Synonyms:
- persuade
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to answer sufficiently, as an objection.
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to solve or dispel, as a doubt.
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to discharge fully (a debt, obligation, etc.).
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to make reparation to or for.
to satisfy an offended person; to satisfy a wrong.
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to pay (a creditor).
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Mathematics.
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to fulfill the requirements or conditions of.
to satisfy a theorem.
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(of a value of an unknown) to change (an equation) into an identity when substituted for the unknown: x = 2 satisfies 3 x = 6.
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verb (used without object)
verb
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(also intr) to fulfil the desires or needs of (a person)
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to provide amply for (a need or desire)
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to relieve of doubt; convince
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to dispel (a doubt)
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to make reparation to or for
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to discharge or pay off (a debt) to (a creditor)
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to fulfil the requirements of; comply with
you must satisfy the terms of your lease
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maths logic to fulfil the conditions of (a theorem, assumption, etc); to yield a truth by substitution of the given value
x = 3 satisfies x² – 4x + 3 = 0
Related Words
Satisfy, content refer to meeting one's desires or wishes. To satisfy is to meet to the full one's wants, expectations, etc.: to satisfy a desire to travel. To content is to give enough to keep one from being disposed to find fault or complain: to content oneself with a moderate meal.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of satisfy
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English satisfien, from Middle French satisfier, from unattested Vulgar Latin satisficāre (for Latin satisfacere “to do enough”; see satisfaction); see -fy
Explanation
To satisfy is to fulfill or meet a want, need, requirement, or expectation. A brilliant paper on Edgar Allan Poe might satisfy a literature class requirement, and a candy bar might satisfy a craving for chocolate. Since there are so many things we need and want, there are lots of ways to satisfy us. Eating a sandwich will satisfy your hunger. Overhearing a conversation could satisfy your curiosity. Going to school should satisfy your desire for knowledge. In college, you'll have to take certain classes to satisfy requirements of your degree. The word comes from the Latin satisfacere, which basically means “do enough.”
Vocabulary lists containing satisfy
Power Suffix: -fy
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"The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes
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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 2
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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.
But even documented evidence and released files won't be enough to satisfy some doubters, said Loperena.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
The Court of International Trade, in a 2-to-1 ruling, said his new bid at sweeping tariffs didn’t satisfy the trade law’s criteria.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Warsh has a workable path to satisfy both constituencies, and it runs through the middle.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
Would your work there satisfy you more than your current job?
From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026
“I’m very sorry you were disappointed, dear, but we all did our best to satisfy you,” said Mrs. March, in a tone full of motherly regret.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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.
