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- 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
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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 (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
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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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