entertain

Meanings

1. to amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably
2. To have someone over at one's home, or some other venue, for a party or visit.
3. to receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind
4. to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep
5. to meet or encounter, as an enemy
6. to lead on; to bring along; to introduce
7. to help; to assist; to answer a phone call

1. Entertainment; pleasure.
2. Reception of a guest; welcome.

Etymology

From Middle English entertenen, from Middle French entretenir, from Old French entretenir, from entre (“among”) + tenir (“to hold”), from Latin inter + teneō (“hold, keep”). For the noun, compare French entretien. Sense of answering a phone call in Malaysian English is influenced by Malay layan “to serve, to attend to or engage with something”.