interest (v.) Copy link Outline I. To occupy and affect the mind1. tĕneo, ui, ntum, 2 (to hold fast the attention)2. dēlecto, 1II. To have to do with, affect; only in 3 pers. sing. or pl.III. As verb refl., to interest oneself, esp. on some one's behalf • interest (v.): I. To occupy and affect the mind: 1. tĕneo, ui, ntum, 2 (to hold fast the attention): children are i.'d in games, shows, pueri ludis, spectaculis tenentur, Cic. Fin. 5, 18, 48: v. to enchain. 2. dēlecto, 1: v. to delight, please, charm. II. To have to do with, affect; only in 3 pers. sing. or pl.: pertĭnet, attĭnet, uit, 2: v. to do (II.). III. As verb refl., to interest oneself, esp. on some one's behalf: expr. by incumbo, dēdo (me), stŭdeo, etc. (v. to devote oneself): Cicero warmly i.'d himself in the cause of the Sicilians, *C. toto pectore in causam Siculorum incubuit; totum se dedidit ad Siculos tuendos vindicandosque.