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en·gage

engage

 
 
pronunciation:
ihn geIj
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: engages, engaging, engaged
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
definition 2: to reserve.
Her parents engaged the hall for the wedding reception.
synonyms:
book, hire, reserve
similar words:
commission, contract, secure
definition 3: to gain or hold the interest of; occupy.
The exciting novel engaged me completely.The controversial subject strongly engaged all the members of the committee.
synonyms:
absorb, attract, interest, occupy
antonyms:
lose
similar words:
appeal, catch, concern, consume, engross, hold, immerse, intrigue, secure
definition 4: to gain or hold (one's interest or attention).
The excellent speaker easily engaged the interest of the audience.An unusual noise from the other room suddenly engaged my attention.
synonyms:
attract, capture, draw, secure
definition 5: 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
definition 6: to mesh.
Use the lever to engage the gears.
synonyms:
mesh
antonyms:
disengage
similar words:
interlock
definition 7: to promise (oneself or another), esp. with the aim of entering into marriage.
She immediately regretted engaging herself to him.The princess's father engaged her to a prince of a neighboring kingdom when she was very young.
synonyms:
affiance, betroth, plight
similar words:
commit, pledge, promise, undertake
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to participate (usu. fol. by "in").
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
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
definition 3: to become meshed, as gears.
synonyms:
interlock, mesh
definition 4: to come into conflict.
synonyms:
battle, collide, combat, encounter
antonyms:
disengage
similar words:
clash, skirmish, war
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