entertain

views updated Jun 11 2018

en·ter·tain / ˌentərˈtān/ • v. [tr.] 1. provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment: a tremendous game that thoroughly entertained the crowd. ∎  receive (someone) as a guest and provide them with food and drink: a private dining room where members could entertain groups of friends.2. give attention or consideration to (an idea, suggestion, or feeling): Washington entertained little hope of an early improvement in relations.

entertain

views updated Jun 08 2018

entertain †keep in a certain state; keep up, maintain; treat; receive, e.g. as a guest XV; †retain in service; engage the attention of XVI; amuse XVII. — (O)F. entretenir :- Rom. *intertenēre, f. INTER- + tenēre hold.
Hence entertainment †maintenance, provision XVI; reception (of a guest); meal, amusement XVII; public performance XVIII.