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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 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| definition 6: |
to mesh.
Use the lever to engage the gears.- synonyms:
- mesh
- antonyms:
- disengage
- similar words:
- interlock
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| 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
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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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