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entertain

Pronunciation: /ɛntəˈteɪn/

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Definition of entertain

verb

[with object]

1provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment:a tremendous game that thoroughly entertained the crowd
receive (someone) as a guest and provide them with food and drink:a private dining room where members could entertain groups of friends

2give attention or consideration to (an idea or feeling):Washington entertained little hope of an early improvement in relations

Origin:

late Middle English: from French entretenir, based on Latin inter 'among' + tenere 'to hold'. The word originally meant 'maintain, continue', later 'maintain in a certain condition, treat in a certain way', also 'show hospitality' (late 15th century)

entertain in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of entertain in the US English dictionary

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