Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Satisfy?

\Sat"is*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Satisfied}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Satisfying}.] [OF. satisfier; L. satis enough + -ficare (in comp.) to make; cf. F. satisfaire, L. satisfacere. See {Sad}, a., and {Fact}.] 1. In general, to fill up the measure of a want of (a person or a thing); hence, to grafity fully the desire of; to make content; to supply to the full, or so far as to give contentment with what is wished for. Death shall . . . with us two Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw. --Milton. 2. To pay to the extent of claims or deserts; to give what is due to; as, to satisfy a creditor. 3. To answer or discharge, as a claim, debt, legal demand, or the like; to give compensation for; to pay off; to requite; as, to satisfy a claim or an execution. 4. To free from doubt, suspense, or uncertainty; to give assurance to; to set at rest the mind of; to convince; as, to satisfy one's self by inquiry. The standing evidences of the truth of the gospel are in themselves most firm, solid, and satisfying. --Atterbury. Syn: To satiate; sate; content; grafity; compensate. See {Satiate}.
\Sat"is*fy\, v. i. 1. To give satisfaction; to afford gratification; to leave nothing to be desired. 2. To make payment or atonement; to atone. --Milton.