pleasure Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
pleasance.
- he was tingling with pleasure
noun something or someone that provides a source of happiness
delight; joy.
- a joy to behold
- the pleasure of his company
- the new car is a delight
noun a formal expression
- he serves at the pleasure of the President
noun an activity that affords enjoyment
- he puts duty before pleasure
noun sexual gratification
- he took his pleasure of her

F. plaisir, originally an infinitive. See Please.

The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to pain, sorrow, etc.
At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. xvi. 11.
Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. "Not sunk in carnal pleasure." Milton.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. Prov. xxi. 17.

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. 2 Tim. iii. 4.
What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose. "He will do his pleasure on Babylon." Isa. xlviii. 14.
Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter. Shak.
That which pleases; a favor; a gratification. Shak.
Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure Acts xxv. 9.
✍ Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure ground; pleasure house, etc. Syn. -- Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace; joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference; purpose; command; favor; kindness.

imperfect & past participle Pleasured ; present participle & verbal noun Pleasuring

To give or afford pleasure to; to please; to gratify. Shak.
[Rolled] his hoop to pleasure Edith. Tennyson.