to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.

to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.

to admit into the mind; consider

He never entertained such ideas.

to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish

They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.

Archaic . to maintain or keep up.

Obsolete . to give admittance or reception to; receive.

to exercise hospitality; entertain company; provide entertainment for guests

They loved to talk, dance, and entertain.

verb

bore , tire , refuse , reject , turn away , disregard , forget

verb

absorb , beguile , captivate , charm , cheer , comfort , crack up * , delight , distract , divert , ecstasize , elate , engross , enliven , enthrall , gladden , grab , gratify , humor , indulge , inspire , inspirit , interest , knock dead , make merry , occupy , pique , please , recreate , regale , relax , satisfy , slay , solace , stimulate , tickle , admit , be host , board , chaperone , dine , do the honors , feed , foster , give a party , harbor , have a do , have a get-together , have company , have guests , have visitors , house , invite , lodge , nourish , pick up the check , pop for , put up * , quarter , receive , room , show hospitality , spring for , throw a party , treat , welcome , wine and dine * , cherish , cogitate on , conceive , consider , contemplate , deliberate , heed , hold , imagine , keep in mind , maintain , muse over , ponder , recognize , support , think over , hear of , think of , chew on , cogitate , excogitate , meditate , mull , muse , reflect , revolve , ruminate , study , think , think out , think through , turn over , weigh , amuse , fete , host , junket