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, pledge, mortgage, trothRelated Words affiance, betroth, plight, promise, swear, vow; contract, enlist, enroll (also enrol), sign on, sign up; overcommitNear 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, employ, fee [chiefly Scottish], hire, lay on [chiefly British], pay, place, recruit, retain, sign (up or on), take onRelated Words reemploy, reengage, rehire; apprentice, contract, job, partner, subcontract; enlist; advance, promote, upgrade; keep (on); headhunt, scoutNear Antonyms furlough, lay off, lock outAntonyms 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, hire, lease, rentRelated Words sublease, sublet; check out; arrange (for), bespeak, book, contract (for), order, reserve, sign up (for)