engage

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verb

Definition of ENGAGE

1

to hold the attention of <the challenging jigsaw puzzle engaged us all evening>

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

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

Phrases catch one's eye

Near Antonyms bore, jade, pall, tire, weary

2

to enter into contest or conflict with <the daring young captain was eager to engage the enemy>

Synonyms battle, encounter, face, meet, take on

Related Words emulate, rival; contend, fight, oppose

Near Antonyms elude, escape, evade; retreat

3

to obligate by prior agreement <we can't go to the dance because we're already engaged to attend a piano recital>

Synonyms commit, engage, mortgage, troth

Related Words affiance, betroth, plight, promise, swear, vow; contract, enlist, enroll (also enrol), sign on, sign up; overcommit

Near Antonyms renege

4

to provide with a paying job <the wealthy couple are looking to engage a handyman to take care of the estate>

Synonyms assume, engage, fee [chiefly Scottish], hire, lay on [chiefly British], pay, place, recruit, retain, sign (up or on), take on

Related Words reemploy, reengage, rehire; apprentice, contract, job, partner, subcontract; enlist; advance, promote, upgrade; keep (on); headhunt, scout

Near Antonyms furlough, lay off, lock out

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

5

to take or get the temporary use of (something) for a set sum <my sister and her boyfriend have engaged a chauffeured limousine for the prom>

Synonyms charter, engage, lease, rent

Related Words sublease, sublet; check out; arrange (for), bespeak, book, contract (for), order, reserve, sign up (for)