Main Entry: in·volve

Pronunciation: \in-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): in·volved; in·volv·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to roll up, wrap, from Latin involvere, from in- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : to enfold or envelop so as to encumber
2 a : to engage as a participant <workers involved in building a house> b : to oblige to take part <right of Congress to involve the nation in war> c : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit (as oneself) emotionally <was involved with a married man>
3 : to surround as if with a wrapping : envelop
4 a archaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b : to relate closely : connect
5 a : to have within or as part of itself : include b : to require as a necessary accompaniment : entail c : ³affect <the cancer involved the lymph nodes>

synonyms see include

— in·volve·ment \-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-\ noun

— in·volv·er noun