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.

Simplified etymology

Disport entered English in the Middle English period through French and derives from Latin dis, “away,” and portare, “to carry.” These elements were used in much the same way as the expression “to take someone out of themselves.”

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.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary