satisfy

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To be enough (for)

   That brief explanation will never satisfy.

2. 2
   verb

   To pay to the extent of what is claimed or due.

   to satisfy a creditor

3. 3
   verb

   To answer or discharge (a claim, debt, legal demand, etc.); to give compensation for.

   to satisfy a claim or an execution

4. 4
   verb

   To cause (a sentence) to be true when the sentence is interpreted in one's universe.

   The complex numbers satisfy #92;existsx#58;x²#43;1#61;0.

5. 5
   verb

   To convince by ascertaining; to free from doubt.

   I was resolved to satisfy myself whether this ragged Elijah was really dogging us or not, and with that intent crossed the way with Queequeg, and on that side of it retraced our steps.

6. 6
   verb

   fill or meet a want or need

7. 7
   verb

   make happy or satisfied

8. 8
   verb

   meet the requirements or expectations of

Etymology

From Middle English satisfyen, satisfien, from Old French satisfiier, satisfier (also Old French satisfaire), from Latin satisfacere, from satis (“enough, sufficient”) + faciō (“to make; to do”).