n. 1 the act or an instance of satisfying; the state of being satisfied (heard this with great satisfaction). 2 a thing that satisfies desire or gratifies feeling (is a great satisfaction to me). 3 a thing that settles an obligation or pays a debt. 4 a (foll. by for) atonement; compensation (demanded satisfaction). b Theol. Christ's atonement for the sins of mankind. to one's satisfaction so that one is satisfied.
[ ME f. OF f. L satisfactio -onis (as SATISFY) ]