Definitions for: Flatter


[v] praise somewhat dishonestly



Webster (1913) Definition: Flat"ter, n.
1. One who, or that which, makes flat or flattens.

2. (Metal Working)
(a) A flat-faced fulling hammer.
(b) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for
drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.


Flat"ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattered; p. pr. &
vb. n. Flattering.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin
to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. fla?ra to fawn, flatter: cf.
F. flatter. Cf. Flitter, Flutter, Flattery.]
1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or
attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by
artful and interested commendation or attentions; to
blandish; to cajole; to wheedle.

When I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he
does, being then most flattered. --Shak.

A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net
for his feet. --Prov. xxix.
5.

Others he flattered by asking their advice.
--Prescott.

2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but
sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.

3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of;
as, his portrait flatters him.


Flat"ter, v. i.
To use flattery or insincere praise.

If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and
unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure. --Milton.

Synonyms: blandish

Antonyms: belittle, disparage, pick at

See Also: adulate, bootlick, brown-nose, butter up, fawn, kotow, kowtow, praise, soft-soap, stroke, suck up, toady, truckle

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