satisfy
UK: ˈsætɪsfaɪ | US: ˈsætɪsfaɪ
vt. to fulfill a need, desire, or expectation
vt. to provide adequate proof or assurance
vt. to settle a debt or obligation
satisfy = satis<enough> + fy<make>
- satis (Latin: "enough, sufficient") → Retained in English with the same core meaning.
- fy (variant of -ficare, Latin: "to make") → Common verb-forming suffix in English (e.g., clarify, simplify).
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin satis (enough) + facere (to make), via Old French satisfier. The word originally meant "to do enough" (e.g., repay a debt or meet a demand). Over time, it expanded to abstract fulfillment (e.g., desires or conditions). The spelling evolved from satisfacere to satisfy, retaining the core morphemes.
The meal did not satisfy his hunger.
Her explanation failed to satisfy the committee.
He worked overtime to satisfy his boss’s demands.
The company must satisfy all safety regulations.
A single win will satisfy the team’s fans for now.