Main Entry: en·gage

Pronunciation: \in-ˈgāj, en-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): en·gaged; en·gag·ing

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

Date: 15th century

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 lengthintransitive 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