satisfy

[sat-is-fahy] /ˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪ/
verb (used with object), satisfied, satisfying.
1.
to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of (a person, the mind, etc.); give full contentment to:
The hearty meal satisfied him.
2.
to put an end to (a desire, want, need, etc.) by sufficient or ample provision:
The hearty meal satisfied his hunger.
3.
to give assurance to; convince:
to satisfy oneself by investigation.
4.
to answer sufficiently, as an objection.
5.
to solve or dispel, as a doubt.
6.
to discharge fully (a debt, obligation, etc.).
7.
to make reparation to or for:
to satisfy an offended person; to satisfy a wrong.
8.
to pay (a creditor).
9.
Mathematics.
  1. to fulfill the requirements or conditions of:
    to satisfy a theorem.
  2. (of a value of an unknown) to change (an equation) into an identity when substituted for the unknown: x = 2 satisfies 3 x = 6.
verb (used without object), satisfied, satisfying.
10.
to give satisfaction.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English satisfien < Middle French satisfier < Vulgar Latin *satisficāre (for Latin satisfacere to do enough; see satisfaction); see -fy
Related forms
satisfiable, adjective
satisfier, noun
satisfyingly, adverb
satisfyingness, noun
nonsatisfying, adjective
outsatisfy, verb (used with object), outsatisfied, outsatisfying.
presatisfy, verb (used with object), presatisfied, presatisfying.
supersatisfy, verb (used with object), supersatisfied, supersatisfying.
unsatisfiable, adjective
Synonyms
1. gratify, appease, pacify, please. 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. 3. persuade.
Examples from the web for satisfy
  • No simple answer will satisfy the complex questions he faces.
  • Unfortunately, that answer isn't enough to satisfy scientists.
  • The basic answer is that ideologies can satisfy psychological needs, but psychological needs are free of ideological content.
  • The answer he liked best--More--didn't satisfy everyone.
  • ON a hot summer night, a beer need only be cold and wet to satisfy.
  • We are seeking individuals whose credentials, interests and experience will best satisfy our curricular needs.
  • We can't really expect cultures not to change, mainly to satisfy our curiosity.
  • Finding the next generation of planets will satisfy that drive.
  • Whip up a batch of these bars before your camping trip to satisfy hunger on hikes and other outdoor adventures.
  • It was unclear whether the city would try to adopt a regulation that might satisfy the judge.
British Dictionary definitions for satisfy

satisfy

/ˈsætɪsˌfaɪ/
verb (mainly transitive) -fies, -fying, -fied
1.
(also intransitive) to fulfil the desires or needs of (a person)
2.
to provide amply for (a need or desire)
3.
to relieve of doubt; convince
4.
to dispel (a doubt)
5.
to make reparation to or for
6.
to discharge or pay off (a debt) to (a creditor)
7.
to fulfil the requirements of; comply with: you must satisfy the terms of your lease
8.
(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
Derived Forms
satisfiable, adjective
satisfier, noun
satisfying, adjective
satisfyingly, adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Old French satisfier, from Latin satisfacere, from satis enough + facere to make, do
Word Origin and History for satisfy
v.

early 15c., from Middle French satisfier, from Old French satisfaire "pay, repay, make reparation" (14c., Modern French satisfaire), from Latin satisfacere "discharge fully, comply with, make amends," literally "do enough," from satis "enough" (from PIE root *sa- "to satisfy;" see sad) + facere "perform" (see factitious). Related: Satisfied; satisfying.