entertain: Meaning and Definition of

en•ter•tain

Pronunciation: (en"tur-tān'), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
  2. to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.
  3. to admit into the mind; consider: He never entertained such ideas.
  4. to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish: They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.
  5. to maintain or keep up.
  6. to give admittance or reception to; receive.
—v.i.
  1. to exercise hospitality; entertain company; provide entertainment for guests: They loved to talk, dance, and entertain.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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