Engage

From Nordan Symposia
Jump to navigationJump to search
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

Lighterstill.jpg

Engage.jpg

Etymology

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

Definitions

transitive verb
  • 1 : to offer (as one's word) as security for a debt or 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 (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