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

1archaic : to enfold or envelop so as to encumber2 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 : envelop4 aarchaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b: to relate closely : connect5 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