gratification

[grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.

   Synonyms: comfort, enjoyment, delight, relish, pleasure

2. something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.

3. the act of gratifying. gratifying.

4. Archaic.,  a reward, recompense, or gratuity.

Other Word Forms

• nongratification noun
• overgratification noun
• pregratification noun
• supergratification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratification¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation

Example Sentences

“It makes us feel good. It’s visibly different. It’s instant gratification.”

From Los Angeles Times

Furthermore, the Trumpian theory of power and the political conclusions it supports create a mutual feedback loop of reinforcement and gratification.

From Salon

Friends of Big Bear Valley had been issuing warnings ahead of Independence Day, saying it was opposed to a local fireworks that would result in “devastation created for 30 minutes of instant gratification.”

From Los Angeles Times

Average viewers on social media are also chasing that same gratification when they make memes or posts that become popular, and they are often incentivised to be critical, he says.

From BBC

The slow, shared summer ritual of rewatching is replaced by instant gratification and infinite options.

From Salon

Related Words

• enjoyment 
• fulfillment 
• joy 
• luxury 
• pleasure