Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pleasure
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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. Shakespeare
4.
That which pleases; a favor; a gratification.
Shak.
Festus, willing to do the Jews a
pleasure
Acts xxv. 9.
At pleasure
, by arbitrary will or choice.
Dryden.
– To take pleasure in
, to have enjoyment in.
Ps. cxlvii. 11.
☞ 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.
Pleas′ure
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Pleasured
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Pleasuring
.] To give or afford pleasure to; to please; to gratify.
Shak.
[Rolled] his hoop to
pleasure
Edith. Tennyson.
Pleas′ure
,Verb.
I.
To take pleasure; to seek pursue pleasure;
as, to go
. pleasuring
Webster 1828 Edition
Pleasure
PLEASURE
,Noun.
1.
The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish or happiness produced by enjoyment or the expectation of good; opposed to pain. We receive pleasure from the indulgence of appetite; from the view of a beautiful landscape; from the harmony of sounds; from agreeable society; from the expectation of seeing an absent friend; from the prospect of gain or success of any kind. Pleasure, bodily and mental, carnal and spiritual, constitutes the whole of positive happiness, as pain constitutes the whole of misery.Pleasure is properly positive excitement of the passions or the mind; but we give the name also to the absence of excitement, when that excitement is painful; as when we cease to labor, or repose after fatigue, or when the mind is tranquilized after anxiety or agitation.
Pleasure is susceptible of increase to any degree; but the word when unqualified, expresses less excitement or happiness than delight or joy.
2.
Sensual or sexual gratification.3.
Approbation. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people. Ps. 147.
and 149.
4.
What the will dictates or prefers; will; choice; purpose; intention; command; as, use your pleasure. Cyrus, he is my shepherd and shall perform all my pleasure. Is.44.
My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure.
Is.46.
5.
A favor; that which pleases. Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul. Acts.25.
6.
Arbitrary will or choice. He can vary his scheme at pleasure.