gratify

verb

grat·​i·​fy ˈgra-tə-ˌfī 

gratified; gratifying

transitive verb

1

: to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to

it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels

—Willa Cather

2

: to give in to : indulge, satisfy

gratify a whim

3

archaic : remunerate, reward

Did you know?

A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and "instant gratification" of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.

Synonyms

• cater (to)
• humor
• indulge

Examples of gratify in a Sentence

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives.

He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.

Recent Examples on the Web

Corbet found the swell of advance enthusiasm gratifying, if bewildering. —Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024

Smart management strategies to maximize revenue and tenant experience To make sure everyone wins, building owners need a strategic approach that attracts visitors while gratifying anchor residents or workers. —Mark Zettl, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

The Brutalist is a movie about desperation and anguish, though its willingness to keep that element below the surface of all of its dramas is gratifying. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024

Francis was humbled and gratified by this rare opportunity because there was no way of attending the one in Villavallelonga without an invitation. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French gratifier, from Latin gratificari to show kindness to, from gratus + -ificari, passive of -ificare -ify

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

gratify

verb

grat·​i·​fy ˈgrat-ə-ˌfī 

gratified; gratifying

1

: to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to

2

: to grant a favor to : indulge

gratification

ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun