Enjoy

Pronunciation

IPA: /ÉªnËˆdÊ’É”Éª/
when enunciating IPA: /É›nËˆdÊ’É”Éª/Rhymes: -É”Éª

Origin

From Middle English enjoyen, from Old French enjoier, anjoier, enjoer ("to give joy, receive with joy, rejoice"), equivalent to - + joy.

Full definition of enjoy

Verb

To receive pleasure or satisfaction from something

2013, Henry Petroski, Geothermal Energy, Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal.

Enjoy your holidays! I enjoy dancing.
To have the use or benefit of something.

Bible, Numbers xxxvi. 8that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers
1988, Harry G Frankfurt, The importance of what we care about: philosophical essaysThis account fails to provide any basis for doubting that animals of subhuman species enjoy the freedom it defines.

I plan to go travelling while I still enjoy good health.
To have sexual intercourse with.

Usage notes

This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing). See

Derived terms