Engage

Etymology

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

• Date: 15th century

Definitions

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 length