entertain

en·ter·tain (ent′ər tān′)

transitive verb

Etymology: ME entretinen < OFr entretenir, to maintain, hold together < entre (L inter), between + tenir < L tenere, to hold: see thin

intransitive verb

to give hospitality to guests

To keep amused
amuse, divert, cheer, please, interest, enliven, delight, beguile, regale, engross, occupy, enthrall, charm, captivate, recreate, inspire, inspirit, stimulate, exhilarate, gratify, satisfy, humor, distract, indulge, solace, relax, make merry, disport, comfort, put in good humor, elate, gladden, tickle.
Antonyms tire, bore*, weary*, depress. *
To act as host or hostess
receive, invite, treat, regale, recreate, gratify, feed, wine and dine, host, chaperon, give a party, have people over, have company, be at home, keep open house, do the honors, welcome, give a warm reception, make welcome, show hospitality to, receive with open arms, roll out the red carpet, kill the fatted calf, throw a party*.
Antonyms neglect, ignore, banish.
To consider
contemplate, have in mind, harbor, cherish; see consider 1, 3, think 1. See syn. study at amuse.

Object

crowd: There will also be an exclusive DJ set from Bloc Party who are taking time out from the studio to entertain the party crowd.
guest: There the ancient heroes entertain the guests with tales of pagan Ireland.
audience: Nearly 100 pupils from Christ's Hospital were invited to entertain the audience in the Church with an evening of music.
notion: Those who could not entertain the notion of England not managed by the English have had four years to get used to the idea.
troop: I'm currently rehearsing a covers band to entertain the troops in Iraq!
kid: She entertained the kids from the minute they walked through the door.

Subject

magician: All the children were entertained by a magician, and Father Christmas made a surprise guest appearance to hand out presents.
musician: Delegates will also be entertained by musicians from Cults Academy.
singer: Do you remember lunch in the basement restaurant where we were entertained by a singer.

Modifying Another Word

royally: We were royally entertained this evening by our President Peter Jones.
thoroughly: From just £ 125 you can relax knowing your younger guests are being thoroughly entertained at your wedding!
mildly: I caught the late night showing, expecting to be mildly entertained.
richly: Visitors from northern England and Scotland were richly entertained with indoor concerts, outdoor band music and, of course, the music hall.

Preposition: at

banquet: He was entertained at public banquets, attended large gatherings, and had long private interviews with leading statesmen.
dinner: Jasmine has been entertaining at corporate dinners and conferences for over eight years.

Preposition: for

hour: Sudoku is an addictive puzzle game that will keep you entertained for hours.
while: Even the worst game of this nature will probably keep their small, sweet minds entertained for a little while.

Preposition: by

magician: All the children were entertained by a magician, and Father Christmas made a surprise guest appearance to hand out presents.
musician: Delegates will also be entertained by musicians from Cults Academy.
singer: Do you remember lunch in the basement restaurant where we were entertained by a singer.

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