entertain

Meanings

Verb

• To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.
• To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.
• To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.
• To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.
• To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
• To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.

Noun

• Entertainment; pleasure.
• Reception of a guest; welcome.

Origin

• From Middle English entertenen, from Middle French entretenir, from Old French entretenir, from entre + tenir, from Latin inter + teneō. For the noun, compare French entretien.