satisfaction
/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...
- Whatever pleasures or satisfactions can be found are highly dependent on things being exactly the way they are desired.
- And the plot amply delivers the expected satisfactions of an intricate puzzle adroitly solved.
- The winter equinox brings with it many small satisfactions as you review your achievements over the last six months, and plan ahead for the coming spring and summer.
Synonyms
contentment, contentedness, content, pleasure, gratification, fulfilment, happiness, sense of well-being, pride, sense of achievement, delight, joy, enjoyment, relish, triumph;
self-satisfaction, smugness, complacency
archaic self-content
fulfilment, gratification;
appeasement, assuagement
2 Law The payment of a debt or fulfilment of an obligation or claim: in full and final satisfaction of the claim...
- There is nothing in writing from either party that the cheque was to be accepted as payment in full satisfaction of the plaintiffs' accounts.
- It provided for a lump sum payment by the Husband to the Wife, in satisfaction of all claims which the Wife might have against the Husband.
- The judgment debt is no longer recoverable by the various processes normally available for satisfaction of judgment debts.
Synonyms
compensation, recompense, reparation, restitution, repayment, payment, settlement, reimbursement, indemnification, indemnity, damages;
redress, amends, atonement;
justice;
requital, retribution;
Latin quid pro quo
2.1 [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...
- And if you don't get satisfaction there, then there probably is a consumer affairs office at your attorney general.
- Candidates can adopt a few simple guidelines to ensure that they get satisfaction when dealing with recruitment agencies.
- If you don't get satisfaction from state agencies, hire an independent insurance adjuster.
2.2 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
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'.