/en'teuhr tayn"/ , v.t.
1. to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
2. to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.
3. to admit into the mind; consider: He never entertained such ideas.
4. to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish: They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.
5. Archaic. to maintain or keep up.
6. Obs. to give admittance or reception to; receive.
v.i.
7. to exercise hospitality; entertain company; provide entertainment for guests: They loved to talk, dance, and entertain.
[ 1425-75; late ME entertenen to hold mutually entretenir intertenere, equiv. to L inter- INTER- + tenere to hold ]
Syn. 1. beguile, regale. See amuse .
Ant. 1. bore. 3. reject.