Definition

1. Verb:
   • To play or frolic in a lively, energetic, and often noisy way: "disport" refers to engaging in boisterous, playful, or carefree physical activity, often involving running, jumping, or merrymaking.
   • To amuse or divert (oneself or others) in a pleasant or agreeable manner: "disport" can also mean to occupy or entertain in a lighthearted, enjoyable fashion.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The children would disport themselves in the waves for hours. (The children would play boisterously in the waves for hours.)
  • The puppies disported on the lawn, chasing each other's tails. (The puppies frolicked playfully on the lawn, chasing each other's tails.)
  • He disported his guests with tales of his travels. (He amused his guests with tales of his travels.)

Advanced Usage

• "to disport oneself": This is a very common reflexive construction, meaning to engage in playful or recreational activity.
  • The nobles disported themselves with hunting and feasting. (The nobles amused themselves with hunting and feasting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Disportment (n, archaic): The act or manner of disporting; playful behavior or amusement.
  • Their disportment was a source of joy for the onlookers. (Their playful behavior was a source of joy for the onlookers.)

Synonyms

• Frolic: To play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically.
• Romp: To play in a lively, boisterous, or energetic way.
• Cavort: To jump or dance around excitedly.
• Gambol: To run or jump about playfully.
• Amuse: To entertain or occupy agreeably.

Antonyms

• Work: To engage in labor or serious activity.
• Mope: To be gloomy, listless, and without energy.

Verb

1. play boisterously
   • The children frolicked in the garden
   • the gamboling lambs in the meadows
   • The toddlers romped in the playroom
2. occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
   • The play amused the ladies