engage

1 of 2

verb

en·​gage in-ˈgāj 

en-

engaged; engaging

transitive verb

1

: to offer (something, such as one's life or word) as backing to a cause or aim : to expose to risk for the attainment or support of some end

engaged his all in the king's 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 (someone, such 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

intransitive verb

1

a

: to pledge oneself : promise

b

: to make a guarantee

he engages for the honesty of his brother

2

a

: to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity

—used with in

engaged in trade for many years

b

: to do or take part in something

—used with in

engage in healthy activities

engage in bad conduct

c

: to give attention to something : deal

failing to engage with the problem

3

: to enter into conflict or battle

4

: to come together and interlock

the gears engaged

engagé

2 of 2

adjective

en·​ga·​gé ˌäⁿ-ˌgä-ˈzhā 

: committed to or supportive of a cause

Did you know?

Engagé is the past participle of the French verb engager, meaning "to engage." The French have used "engagé" since the 19th century to describe socially or politically active people. The term became particularly fashionable in the wake of World War II, when French writers, artists, and intellectuals felt it was increasingly important for them to take a stand on political or social issues and represent their attitudes in their art. By 1946, English speakers had adopted the word for their own politically relevant writing or art, and within a short time "engagé" was being used generally for any passionate commitment to a cause.

Synonyms

Verb

• absorb
• bemuse
• busy
• catch up
• engross
• enthrall
• enthral
• enwrap
• fascinate
• grip
• immerse
• interest
• intrigue
• involve
• occupy

Examples of engage in a Sentence

Verb

He was engaged as a tutor.

He sure can engage an audience.

The story engaged my interest.

The troops prepared to engage the enemy.

The troops prepared to engage with the enemy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The couple secretly wed in a New York City courthouse back in September 2018 — just two months after getting engaged. —Lawrence Yee, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

McLellan’s film is set in 1992, going back to his own northern New England past and a peak of PSB’s creativity to reenact the development toward adulthood that is so crucial to the chaos engaged by Millennial youth. —Armond White, National Review, 10 May 2024

All appear engaged at the outset, sitting for video interviews and promoting the series on social media. —J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 9 May 2024

In addition, drawing parallels between whales and humans via language might help engage the broader public in conservation efforts. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2024

Despite the national interest in these races, fewer locals are engaged so far out from November’s election. —Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 8 May 2024

Morgan said during the International Uranium Film Festival held in March in Window Rock, Curley and a couple of other Navajo leaders actively engaged and took the time to listen and put a lot of emphasis on Curley strongly behind this letter. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 8 May 2024

The two-day event will also see panels on Family Travel, the Future of Air Travel, Traveling in the Age of Social Media, and Wellness Travel, all of which promise to be exciting, engaging, and wholly educational. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2024

The improv hosts engage the audience with different activities that showcase the quick wit and unscripted entertainment of the team of improvers. —Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Adjective

French, past participle of engager to engage

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1946, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing engage

• engage in
• engage with
• re-engage

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Kids Definition

engage

verb

en·​gage in-ˈgāj 

engaged; engaging

1

: to commit oneself to do something

especially : to bind by a pledge to marry

2

a

: to arrange for the use or services of : hire

engage a lawyer

b

: to keep fixed or concentrated

the task engaged our attention

3

a

: to cause to take part

engaged the stranger in conversation

b

: participate

she engages in sports

4

: to enter into contest or battle with

engage the enemy

5

: to come together or cause to come together and mesh

the gears engaged