flatter

1. comparativecomparative form of flat: more flat

present singular third person flatters · participle present flattering · participle past flattered · past flattered

1. ambitransitiveTo compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour.

   1855, William H. Prescott, History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co., Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 7, p. 242, Some he complimented for their bravery; others he flattered by asking their advice.

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   A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 29:5

   Synonyms: butter up, lay it on thick, puff

2. ambitransitiveTo enhance or gratify someone's vanity by praising them.

   Synonyms: stroke someone's ego

3. ambitransitiveTo portray someone to advantage.

   Her portrait flatters her.

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   Here is her picture: let me see; I think, If I had such a tire, this face of mine Were full as lovely as is this of hers: And yet the painter flatter’d her a little […]

   c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iv]

4. ambitransitiveTo encourage or cheer someone with (usually false) hope.

   […] I went up, and sat there two Hours and an half before I cou’d discern any Thing like Land; and when I first saw it I told my Comrade, but not being certain I wou’d not call out; for the Case was of such Importance, that they were not to be trifled with, or flatter’d into vain Hopes.

   1743, Robert Drury, The Pleasant, and Surprizing Adventures of Mr. Robert Drury, during his Fifteen Years Captivity on the Island of Madagascar, London, page 9

5. ambitransitivereflexiveusuallyTo cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false.

   Before the results came out, I flattered myself that I had done well on the test. It turned out I was the worst in the class!

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   The dire imagination she did follow This sound of hope doth labour to expel; For now reviving joy bids her rejoice, And flatters her it is Adonis’ voice.

   1593, [William Shakespeare], Venus and Adonis, London: […] Richard Field, […], →OCLC

   1. ambitransitiveintransitiveobsoletereflexiveusuallyIn phrasal verb "to flatter with": to encourage, inspire with hope.

      Run after that ſame peeuiſh Meſſenger / The Countes man: he left this Ring behinde him / Would I, or not: tell him, Ile none of it. / Deſire him not to flatter with his Lord, / Nor hold him vp with hopes, I am not for him:

      c. 1601–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene v], page 287, column 2

plural flatters

1. ambitransitiveA type of set tool used by blacksmiths.
2. ambitransitiveA flat-faced fulling hammer.
3. ambitransitiveA drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs.
4. ambitransitiveSomeone who flattens, purposely or accidentally. Also flattener.

plural flatters

1. New ZealandUKambitransitiveslangSomeone who lives in a rented flat.