Gratify
/ˈɡrætɪfaɪ/noun
To give pleasure or satisfaction to someone, or to indulge a desire.
Did you know?Gratify comes from Latin roots tied to grace and pleasing, and its older history shows how “pleasure” was once closely linked to favor, thanks, and divine approval.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
grātus
“pleasing; thankful; welcome”
Late Latin
Latin
grātificāre
“to do a favor for; to oblige; to please”
Middle French
Old French
gratifier
“to oblige; to please; to show favor”
16th Century
English
gratify
“to please, satisfy, or indulge”
Modern English
English
gratify
“to give pleasure or satisfaction to someone”
Explore more surprising origins