ˌsad.ə̇ˈsfakshən, ˌsatə̇- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English satisfaccioun, from Middle French satisfaction, from Late Latin satisfaction-, satisfactio penitence, penance, from Latin, satisfaction, from satisfactus (past participle of satisfacere to satisfy) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at satisfy
1.
a. : reparation for sin made by performing the penance imposed by a confessor
the good works required of penitent sinners in satisfaction for their offenses — K.S.Latourette
b. : fulfillment of the demands of divine justice on behalf of mankind
the voluntary death of Christ … accomplished this satisfaction — Encyc. Americana
— compare atonement 2
2.
a. : complete fulfillment of a need or want : attainment of a desired end
if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction — Shakespeare
primitive art quicky flowers into full satisfaction of some aesthetic craving — A.N.Whitehead
when the cause of the arthritis can be definitely determined … the condition can be treated with much more satisfaction — Morris Fishbein
b. : the quality or state of being satisfied : contentment , pleasure
satisfaction in able work accomplished and recognized — Johnson O'Connor
derive a melancholy satisfaction from the conviction that they are on the losing side — Elmer Davis
the satisfaction derived from a sense of sharing in creative activities — John Dewey
c. : a cause or means of enjoyment : gratification
children … found it a novelty and a satisfaction to work on the soil — Martha Sharp
journeyed to Kentucky … to pay off his debts, an action that gave him one of the greatest satisfactions of his life — W.J.Ghent
3.
a.
(1) : compensation for a loss or injury : atonement , restitution
promised to have the fellows punished, and satisfaction to be made — Daniel Defoe
(2) obsolete : payment for service given
operation of writing, for which it directed the scribe to receive a satisfaction — William Blackstone
(3) : opportunity to vindicate one's honor (as by fighting a duel)
if … you wil give me your card, I will see that you shall shortly have the satisfaction you require — Thomas Medwin
b.
(1) : the discharge of a legal obligation or settlement of a claim : execution of an accord
satisfaction of a mortgage
(2) : a legal document showing that such an obligation has been met
c. : fulfillment of an essential condition
satisfaction of the foreign language distribution requirement — College of William & Mary Cat.
4.
a. : dissipation of doubt or ignorance : conviction , enlightenment
the charge must be proved to the satisfaction of the court
for your private satisfaction … I will let you know — Shakespeare
this investigation was a legitimate satisfaction of congressional curiosity — Brian Gilbert
b. obsolete : satisfactory proof
I doubt not but to give you satisfaction that I am not worthy of this wrong — Itinerary