The word entertaiment can be traced back to the Latin intertenere, which means “to hold inside.” The prefix inter indicates that something is held within or kept. The suffix tenere is related to the Indo-European root ten, meaning “to stretch.” A person can entertain himself or herself by solving crossword puzzles or playing games like Head’s Up. Performing arts are also forms of entertainment.
Some forms of entertaiment hit on issues the brain was evolutionarily shaped to deeply react to, such as social backstabbing or murders. This can cause the brain to release seratonin and dopamine, which are feel good chemicals.