disport

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to enjoy oneself by playing or behaving in a lively, carefree way

   The children disport themselves on the beach after lunch.

2. 2
   noun

   an amusement, pastime, or lively form of recreation

   Music and dancing were their favorite disport.

From Middle English disporten, via Anglo-Norman and Old French desporter, meaning 'to amuse or entertain.' The French verb developed from Latin deportare, 'to carry away'; the sense shifted toward carrying the mind away from serious concerns through recreation.

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