v. (-ies, -ied)
1. tr. a meet the expectations or desires of; comply with (a demand). b be accepted by (a person, his taste) as adequate; be equal to (a preconception etc.).
2 tr. put an end to (an appetite or want) by supplying what was required.
3 tr. rid (a person) of an appetite or want in a similar way.
4 intr. give satisfaction; leave nothing to be desired.
5 tr. pay (a debt or creditor).
6 tr. adequately meet, fulfil, or comply with (conditions, obligations, etc.) (has satisfied all the legal conditions).
7 tr. (often foll. by of, that) provide with adequate information or proof, convince (satisfied the others that they were right; satisfy the court of their innocence).
8 tr. Math. (of a quantity) make (an equation) true.
9 tr. (in passive) a (foll. by with) contented or pleased with. b (foll. by to) demand no more than or consider it enough to do.
Phrases and idioms:
satisfy the examiners reach the standard required to pass an examination. satisfy oneself (often foll. by that + clause) be certain in one's own mind.
Derivatives:
satisfiable adj. satisfiability n. satisfiedly adv. satisfying adj. satisfyingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF satisfier f. L satisfacere satisfact- f. satis enough