Definition of "gratification"

gratification

/ˌɡɹætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural gratifications
1. (countable)
  1. The act of gratifying or pleasing, either the mind, or the appetite or taste.
    Quotations
    I know nothing of Mr. Courtenaye; but I can perceive enough of this affair to see that he is one of those who, for a moment's selfish gratification, or for the yet meaner love of gratified vanity, will excite the deepest feelings, and trifle with the dearest hopes of all who trust them!
    1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], pages 295–296
    Many of the so-called rites of these secret societies were so patently ridiculous, that it is quite obvious that they were merely an excuse for men and women to indulge in sex-play and lustful gratification, frequently of an abnormal kind.
    1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 161
  2. A gratuity; a reward.
2. (uncountable) A feeling of pleasure; satisfaction.
  Quotations
  I will tell you all my faults frankly beforehand. I am very vain, for I cultivate my vanity on a principle, and cannot understand why we should neglect such a source of gratification.
  1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Confidence”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], page 102
  To my gratification he told me I could reënter the institution, and that he would trust me to pay the debt when I could.
  1900, Booker T[aliaferro] Washington, “Helping Others”, in Up from Slavery: An Autobiography, New York, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Co., published 1901, page 66

Definition of "gratification"

gratification

noun

Quotations

Quotations