entertain

Etymology

From Middle English entertenen, from Middle French entretenir, from Old French entretenir, from entre (“among”) + tenir (“to hold”), from Latin inter + teneō (“hold, keep”). For the noun, compare French entretien.

verb

1. (transitive) To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.
   to entertain friends with lively conversation
   The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.
2. (transitive and intransitive) To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.
   They enjoy entertaining a lot.
3. (transitive) To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.
   The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.
   to entertain a proposal
   I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke. 1851, Thomas De Quincey, Literary Reminiscences
4. (obsolete) To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.
5. (obsolete) To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
   Penalty for entertaining a Deserter 1860, British Parliament, Naval Discipline Act, page 1069
6. (obsolete) To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.

noun

1. (obsolete) Entertainment; pleasure.
2. (obsolete) Reception of a guest; welcome.