What does satiate mean?
Satiate is a formal verb meaning to satisfy an appetite, thirst, desire, or need so completely that nothing more is required. Its standard use describes food or drink that leaves someone fully satisfied, as in a substantial meal that satiates the guests. Figuratively, it can mean to meet an emotional, intellectual, or practical desire completely, though it sometimes suggests that satisfaction has been pushed to the point of excess. The word belongs to a formal and literary register and is less common in everyday speech than satisfy or fill. Its distinction from satisfy is chiefly one of degree: satisfying may merely meet a need, while satiating implies that the need or desire is wholly met. The related noun satiety means the state of being fully satisfied, especially after eating or drinking.
verbTo satisfy someone’s appetite, desires, or needs completely, so that no more is wanted.
- To satisfy an appetite, thirst, or desire completely.
- To make someone fully content or relieved, especially by providing what they have wanted.
"The rich meal satisfied even the hungriest guests."
"After hours of hiking, a cold meal and a bottle of water satiated them."
"The unusually generous offer satiated the company’s immediate need for investment."
Satiate means to fill someone’s desires completely—and, in modern use, often suggests going so far that satisfaction turns into excess.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satiate come from?
Satiate comes from Latin satiare, “to satisfy, fill,” derived from satis, meaning “enough” or “sufficient.” The word entered English during the 16th century in the sense of satisfying hunger or desire. Its relatives include satisfy, from a related Latin form, and satiety, which preserves the idea of being sufficiently fed or content.
Related word forms
How satiate is actually used
Satiate is formal and somewhat literary. It can describe satisfying a physical appetite fully, but it is also used figuratively for desires, ambitions, or curiosity. The word often carries the implication of complete or excessive satisfaction.
Easily confused with satiate
Satisfy means to provide enough of what is wanted to meet a need or desire, whereas satiate means to satisfy someone or something completely, leaving no further desire.