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satisfy

v.
US //ˈsætəsˌfaɪ// UK //sˈætɪsfˌaɪ// sat·is·fy
  1. 1 to please someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make someone happy by giving them what they want or need.

    to fulfill the desires, expectations, or needs of a person, making them content.

    Example

    The restaurant worked hard to satisfy every customer who visited that night.

    Example

    The final cut of the film managed to satisfy both the demanding critics and the casual moviegoers, a rare feat for a summer blockbuster.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice: 'to be satisfied with'.
  2. 2 to meet a requirement (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be good enough for a rule, a need, or a condition.

    to comply with or fulfill a condition, obligation, or standard.

    Example

    You must satisfy all the entry requirements before you can join the course.

    Example

    The applicant failed to satisfy the rigorous criteria established by the board, leading to an immediate rejection of the proposal.

    Usage

    Commonly takes an abstract noun as an object, such as 'criteria', 'conditions', or 'demands'.
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  1. 3 to pay a debt (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    to pay all the money you owe for a bill or a loan.

    to discharge a financial obligation or legal claim by paying what is due.

    Example

    He had to sell his car to satisfy his debts to the bank.

    Example

    The court ordered the company to liquidate its remaining assets to satisfy the outstanding claims of its creditors.

    Usage

    Typically used in legal or formal financial contexts regarding 'claims' or 'debts'.
  2. 4 to convince (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    to provide enough proof so that someone stops doubting you.

    to free someone from doubt or uncertainty by providing adequate evidence.

    Example

    The detective was satisfied that the witness was telling the truth.

    Example

    Having examined the original manuscripts, the historian was finally satisfied of the document's authenticity.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'convince' is much more common; this sense of 'satisfy' often appears in older literature or very formal reports.
  3. 5 logic/math (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    to make a mathematical statement or rule true.

    to make a sentence or equation true when specific values are applied.

    Example

    The value of x must satisfy the equation for the answer to be correct.

    Example

    The proposed model must satisfy the fundamental laws of thermodynamics to be considered a viable solution for the energy crisis.

Origin

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”).

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