transitive verb

1. to praise too much, untruly, or insincerely, as in order to win favor
2. to try to please, or ingratiate oneself with, by praise and attention
3. to make seem better or more attractive than is so his portrait flatters him
4. to make feel pleased or honored; gratify the vanity of it's flattering to be remembered
5. to please or gratify (the eye, ear, senses, etc.)
6. to encourage, esp. falsely

Etymology: ME flateren < OFr flater, to smooth, caress with flat hand < Frank *flat, akin to OHG flaz, flat

intransitive verb

noun

1. a person who flattens something
2. a drawplate for forming flat strips
3. a smith's forging tool with a broad, flat face

adjective, adverb