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 Words From

• over·enter·tained adjective
• preen·ter·tain verb (used with object)
• unen·ter·tained adjective
• well-en·ter·tained 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

Quite honestly, it’s a great spot to entertain in.”

From Los Angeles Times

Being part of a groundbreaking show can seem heavy, but its ultimate aim is to entertain the young people watching.

From Los Angeles Times

The genesis of “CoComelon” dates back to 2006, when commercial director Jay Jeon and his wife, a children’s book author, posted their first video to YouTube of a short cartoon played to music — alphabet-related animations that stemmed from videos they made to entertain their own sons.

From Los Angeles Times

“Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, they've started up a care agency and a daytime space to entertain elderly people in the coastal village.

From BBC

Related Words

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