flatter

adj

1. (comparative, form-of)comparative form of flat: more flat

verb

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

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

   “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.”

2. (ambitransitive)To enhance or gratify someone's vanity by praising them.
3. (ambitransitive)To portray someone to advantage.

   “Her portrait flatters her.”

   “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 […]”

4. (ambitransitive)To 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.”

5. (ambitransitive, reflexive, usually)To 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!”

   “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.”

6. (ambitransitive, intransitive, obsolete, reflexive, usually)To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false.

   “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:”

noun

1. (ambitransitive)A type of set tool used by blacksmiths.
2. (ambitransitive)A flat-faced fulling hammer.
3. (ambitransitive)A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs.
4. (ambitransitive)Someone who flattens, purposely or accidentally. Also flattener.
5. (British, New-Zealand, ambitransitive, slang)Someone who lives in a rented flat.