entertain
UK: ˌentəˈteɪn | US: ˌentərˈteɪn
vt. to provide amusement or enjoyment to someone
vt. to hold someone's attention with something interesting
vt. to consider or hold an idea, thought, or feeling in the mind
The word "entertain" traces back to Old French entretenir, meaning "to hold together" or "maintain." It combines enter- (from Latin inter-, "among") and -tain (from Latin tenere, "to hold"). Originally, it implied maintaining or sustaining something—such as a conversation or hospitality. Over time, it evolved to focus on holding someone's attention pleasantly, giving rise to its modern sense of amusement or enjoyment.
The magician entertained the crowd with his tricks.
She entertained the idea of moving abroad for a year.
The host entertained his guests with stories from his travels.
The movie failed to entertain the audience.
He entertained doubts about the project's success.