pleasure n
1. a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience; "he was tingling with pleasure" [syn: pleasance] [ant: pain]
2. something or someone that provides pleasure; a source of happiness; "a joy to behold"; "the pleasure of his company"; "the new car is a delight" [syn: joy, delight]
3. a formal expression; "he serves at the pleasure of the President"
4. an activity that affords enjoyment; "he puts duty before pleasure"
5. sexual gratification; "he took his pleasure of her"

Pleasure \Pleas"ure\, v. 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.

Pleasure \Pleas"ure\, v. i. To take pleasure; to seek pursue pleasure; as, to go pleasuring.

Pleasure \Pleas"ure\, n. [F. plaisir, originally an infinitive. See Please.]
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. --Shak.

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Pleasure describes the broad class of mental states that humans and other animals experience as positive, enjoyable, or worth seeking. It includes more specific mental states such as happiness, entertainment, enjoyment, ecstasy, and euphoria. In psychology, the pleasure principle describes pleasure as a positive feedback mechanism, motivating the organism to recreate in the future the situation which it has just found pleasurable. According to this theory, organisms are similarly motivated to avoid situations that have caused pain in the past.

The experience of pleasure is subjective and different individuals will experience different kinds and amounts of happiness in the same situation. Many pleasurable experiences are associated with satisfying basic biological drives, such as eating, exercise or sex. Other pleasurable experiences are associated with social experiences and social drives, such as the experiences of accomplishment, recognition, and service. The appreciation of cultural artifacts and activities such as art, music, and literature is often pleasurable.

• Meaning: Myth name
• Origin: Greek
• Gender: Female

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