satisfaction

 
Pronunciation: /satɪsˈfakʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1fulfilment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this: I looked round with satisfaction managing directors seeking greater job satisfaction
  • 2 Law the payment of a debt or fulfilment of an obligation or claim: in full and final satisfaction of the claim
  • [with negative] what is felt to be owed or due to one, especially in reparation of an injustice or wrong: the work will come to a halt if the electricity and telephone people don’t get satisfaction
  • historical the opportunity to defend one’s honour in a duel: I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman
  • 3 Christian Theology Christ’s atonement for sin.

Phrases

to one's satisfaction

so that one is satisfied: some amendments were made, not entirely to his satisfaction

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin satisfactio(n-), from satisfacere 'satisfy, content' (see satisfy). The earliest recorded use referred to the last part of religious penance after ‘contrition’ and ‘confession’: this involved fulfilment of the observance required by the confessor, in contrast with the current meaning 'fulfilment of one's own expectations'