gratification

[ grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.

   Synonyms: comfort, enjoyment, delight, relish, pleasure

2. something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.
3. the act of gratifying. gratifying.
4. Archaic. a reward, recompense, or gratuity.

Other Words From

• nongrat·i·fi·cation noun
• over·grati·fi·cation noun
• pregrat·i·fi·cation noun
• super·grati·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratification¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation

Example Sentences

Judge Kerr said the offending went "beyond mere sexual gratification".

From BBC

For Mr. Reed to meet his match in these people-pleasing Mormons, victims he sought to manipulate, coerce and dominate — well, there’s a gratification in that.

From Los Angeles Times

Being a misogynist boor may offer temporary gratification, but in the long or even medium term, it will just make men's problems worse.

From Salon

In a world of limitless options and limited resources, it’s a familiar bind: whether to spend your hard-earned cash on the fun thing that promises instant gratification, or the sensible one that may pay off in the future.

From Slate

Crystal set aside her “strong bias towards instant gratification” and signed up for the course.

From Slate

Related Words

• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• joy
• luxury
• pleasure