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 satisfying
  • Puzzles may be more satisfying, but the world increasingly offers us mysteries.
  • Those quirky, bendy straws that make the satisfying crunching sound when flexed.
  • But in the meantime, it's somehow satisfying to know that woolly mammoths were so closely related to a living, trumpeting species.
  • Despite all the possibly explanations provided for this appendage, none are especially satisfying.
  • Of course, part of the fun of modern home video formats is all the special features aimed at satisfying the diehard movie fan.
  • For those with similar demands, pulp art delivers a satisfying kick.
  • The veal filling was soft as a down pillow, its flavor delicate yet satisfying.
  • These summer-inspired sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that works anytime of the year.
  • Starting crops from seed is a satisfying and economical way to grow your own plants, flowers, and veggies.
  • Here's a simple yet satisfying way to get more vegetables into your day.
British Dictionary definitions for satisfying

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 satisfying
adj.

c.1600, present participle adjective from satisfy. Related: Satisfyingly.

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.