engage

en-gage · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

1.
To participate or become involved in something.
2.
To attract and hold someone's attention or interest.
3.
To hire or employ someone for work.
4.
To promise to marry; to become betrothed (usually passive).
5.
To interlock or cause parts to fit together.

Phrases & expressions

•
engage with — interact with or become involved in
•
engage in conversation — participate in a discussion

Related words

Antonyms: disengage, ignore, withdraw

See also: engaged, engagement, engaging

Synonyms: employ, involve, occupy, participate

Etymology

From Old French engager ("to pledge"), from en- ("make, put in") + gage ("pledge, security"), from Frankish waddi ("pledge").