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

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

“You watch them grow and come out stronger and hopefully fall in love with them along the journey. Then the audience gets the instant gratification of watching his movie.”

From Los Angeles Times

The court heard the harm McCartney caused was "unquantifiable" and he "degraded and humiliated" victims for his own sexual gratification.

From BBC

The court heard the harm McCartney caused was "unquantifiable", and he "degraded and humiliated" victims for his own sexual gratification.

From BBC

Related Words

• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• joy
• luxury
• pleasure