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en·gage
 engage
- pronunciation:
- ihn
geIj
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
engaged, engages, engaging |
| definition 1: |
to obtain or use the service of; employ.
We engaged a chef for the party.- synonyms:
- employ, hire, retain
- antonyms:
- discharge, disengage, dismiss
- similar words:
- book, busy, charter, contract, enlist, enroll, sign up
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| definition 2: |
to reserve.
Her parents engaged the hall for the wedding reception.- synonyms:
- book, hire, reserve
- similar words:
- commission, contract, secure
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| definition 3: |
to gain or hold the interest of; occupy.
The controversial subject engaged their attention.- synonyms:
- absorb, attract, interest, occupy
- antonyms:
- lose
- similar words:
- appeal, catch, concern, consume, engross, hold, immerse, intrigue, secure
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| definition 4: |
to come into conflict with.
The American troops engaged the British troops on this hill in 1778.- synonyms:
- battle, encounter, fight, meet
- antonyms:
- disengage
- similar words:
- affront, confront
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| definition 5: |
to mesh.
Use the lever to engage the gears.- synonyms:
- mesh
- antonyms:
- disengage
- similar words:
- interlock
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| definition 6: |
to promise (oneself), esp. in marriage.
She immediately regretted engaging herself to him.- synonyms:
- affiance, betroth, plight
- similar words:
- commit, pledge, promise, undertake
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| related words: |
absorb, activate, arrest, battle, distract, divert, draw, fling, interest, involve, line, meet, retain |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to participate.
The guests engaged in small talk before dinner.How long have you engaged in this type of volunteer activity?Many individuals engaged in the effort to help the victims of the hurricane.- synonyms:
- join, partake, participate, share
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| definition 2: |
to pledge or commit oneself; assume an obligation (usu. fol. by to).
She engaged to cater the receptions.- synonyms:
- pledge, promise
- antonyms:
- disengage
- similar words:
- sign up
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| definition 3: |
to become meshed, as gears.
- synonyms:
- interlock, mesh
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| definition 4: |
to come into conflict.
- synonyms:
- battle, collide, combat, encounter
- antonyms:
- disengage
- similar words:
- clash, skirmish, war
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| related words: |
act, battle, book, compete, share |
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