I. də̇+ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French desport, from desporter
1.
a. : play , sport , diversion
b. : a pastime or game
2. archaic : mirth , amusement , delight
Synonyms: see play II
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English disporten, from Middle French desporter, from des- dis- (I) + porter to carry — more at port (to carry)
transitive verb
1. : divert , amuse , entertain
converted one of the stables … into a billiard room and here the youths disported themselves to their hearts' content — Thomas Wall
sea lions bark and disport themselves before a gallery of enthusiasts — American Guide Series: New York City
2. : to make a fine display of
the town disported three bright shiny new hacks with rumbling wheels — W.A.White
gave the … critics an opportunity to disport their innocence of Christian knowledge or culture — Time
3. : to conduct or behave (oneself) : deport
disported himself like the high-bred virtuoso he is — Musical Digest
equip a man to disport himself gracefully in the domain of American speech — Saturday Review
intransitive verb
: to amuse or divert oneself especially in a light, frolicsome, lively, or wanton way
do you dig in the garden, ride horses, disport at dude ranches, or amble around the countryside? — Better Homes & Gardens
in this den he would disport among books, radios, tape recorders — Murray Schumach
Synonyms: see play