Dictionary Information: Definition Pleasure - Description Meaning Thesaurus

Pleasure (Pleas"ure) (?), n.
[F. plaisir, originally an infinitive. See Please.]

1. The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to pain, sorrow, etc. "At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Ps. xvi. 11.
2. Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. "Not sunk in carnal pleasure." Milton. "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man." Prov. xxi. 17. "Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." 2 Tim. iii. 4.
3. What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose. "He will do his pleasure on Babylon." Isa. xlviii. 14. "Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter." Shak.
4. That which pleases; a favor; a gratification. Shak. "Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure" Acts xxv. 9.

-- At pleasure, by arbitrary will or choice. Dryden.
-- To take pleasure in, to have enjoyment in. Ps. cxlvii. 11.
^ Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure ground; pleasure house, etc.

Synonyms -- Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace; joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference; purpose; command; favor; kindness.

Pleasure (Pleas"ure), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Pleasured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pleasuring.]

To give or afford pleasure to; to please; to gratify. Shak. "[Rolled] his hoop to pleasure Edith." Tennyson.

Pleasure (Pleas"ure), v. i.

To take pleasure; to seek pursue pleasure; as, to go pleasuring.