Flat·ter v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattered p. pr. & vb. n. Flattering.]
 1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by artful and interested commendation or attentions; to blandish; to cajole; to wheedle.
 When I tell him he hates flatterers,
 He says he does, being then most flattered.   --Shak.
    A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet.   --Prov. xxix. 5.
    Others he flattered by asking their advice.   --Prescott.
 2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
 3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.