Definition of: interest

(in′tər·ist, -trist) noun
1. Attention with a sense of concern; lively sympathy or curiosity; also, the power to excite or hold such attention.
2. That which is of advantage or profit; benefit; also, selfish or private advantage.
3. Payment for the use of money, or money so paid; an agreed or statutory compensation accruing to a creditor during the time that a loan or debt remains unpaid, reckoned usually as a yearly percentage of the sum owed.
4. Something added in making a return; something more than is due.
5. Proprietary right or share; part ownership; participation in profit: sometimes used in the plural.
6. The persons interested in some department of work or business.
7. Power to procure favorable regard; influence.
—v.t. (also in′tə·rest)
1. To excite or hold the curiosity or attention of.
2. To cause to have a share or interest in; induce to participate.
3. Obs. To relate to; affect; concern. [<OF <L interest it is of concern or advantage; 3rd person sing. of interesse lie between, be important <inter- between + esse be] Synonyms (verb): amuse, attract, concern, engage, entertain, excite, hold, import, matter, occupy. Interest is used absolutely without a preposition, and with or without other qualification; import is now commonly used with a preposition and with some word or phrase indicating measure or estimate of value; as, It imports much to me. A matter may interest one financially or intellectually; in this sense the noun is commonly used; as, It is of interest to me. See AMUSE, CONCERN, ENTERTAIN. Antonyms: bore, disturb, fatigue, tire, weary, worry.