transitive verb
- to praise too much, untruly, or insincerely, as in order to win favor
- to try to please, or ingratiate oneself with, by praise and attention
- to make seem better or more attractive than is so: his portrait flatters him
- to make feel pleased or honored; gratify the vanity of: it's flattering to be remembered
- to please or gratify (the eye, ear, senses, etc.)
- to encourage, esp. falsely
Origin:
ME flateren < OFr flater, to smooth, caress with flat hand < Frank *flat, akin to OHG flaz, flat