engage

en·gage

verb \in-ˈgāj, en-\

en·gageden·gag·ing

Definition of ENGAGE

transitive verb

1

: to offer (as one's word) as security for a debt or cause

2

a obsolete : to entangle or entrap in or as if in a snare or bog b : to attract and hold by influence or power c : to interlock with : mesh; also : to cause (mechanical parts) to mesh <engage the clutch>

3

: to bind (as oneself) to do something; especially : to bind by a pledge to marry

4

a : to provide occupation for : involve <engage him in a new project> b : to arrange to obtain the use or services of : hire <engage a lawyer>

5

a : to hold the attention of : engross <her work engages her completely> b : to induce to participate <engaged the shy boy in conversation>

6

a : to enter into contest or battle with <engage the enemy> b : to bring together or interlock (weapons)

7

: to deal with especially at length

intransitive verb

1

a : to pledge oneself : promise b : guarantee <he engages for the honesty of his brother>

2

a : to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity <engaged in trade for a number of years> b : to take part : participate <at college she engaged in gymnastics> c : to give attention to something : deal <the author's unwillingness to engage with our political system — C. E. Rosenberg>

3

: to enter into conflict or battle

4

: to come together and interlock (as of machinery parts) : be or become in gear

Examples of ENGAGE

1. He was engaged as a tutor.
2. He sure can engage an audience.
3. The story engaged my interest.
4. The troops prepared to engage the enemy.
5. The troops prepared to engage with the enemy.

Origin of ENGAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French engager, from en- + gage pledge, gage

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ENGAGE

Synonyms: absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engross, enthrall (or enthral), enwrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy, catch one's eye

Antonyms: ax (or axe), can, discharge, dismiss, fire, sack

Related Words: allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, obsess; hypnotize, mesmerize; distract, preoccupy; hog, monopolize

Near Antonyms: bore, jade, pall, tire, weary

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with ENGAGE

backstage, birdcage, broad-gauge, coon's age, dark age, downstage, encage, enrage, forestage, front-page, greengage, ice age, Iron Age, new age, offstage, onstage, outrage, presage, rampage, rib cage, road rage, roll cage, soundstage, space-age, substage, teenage, thrust stage, uncage, upstage