v. 1 a intr. (often foll. by into) go or come in. b tr. go or come into. c intr. come on stage (as a direction : enter Macbeth). 2 tr. penetrate; go through (a bullet entered his chest). 3 tr. (often foll. by up) write (a name, details, etc.) in a list, book, etc. 4 a intr. register or announce oneself as a competitor (entered for the long jump). b tr. become a competitor in (an event). c tr. record the name of (a person etc.) as a competitor (entered two horses for the Derby). 5 tr. a become a member of (a society etc.). b enrol as a member or prospective member of a society, school, etc.; admit or obtain admission for. 6 tr. make known; present for consideration (entered a protest). 7 tr. put into an official record. 8 intr. (foll. by into) a engage in (conversation, relations, an undertaking, etc.). b subscribe to; bind oneself by (an agreement etc.). c form part of (one's calculations, plans, etc.). d sympathize with (feelings etc.). 9 intr. (foll. by on, upon) a begin, undertake; begin to deal with (a subject). b assume the functions of (an office). c assume possession of (property). 10 intr. (foll. by up) complete a series of entries in (account-books etc.). enterer n.
[ ME f. OF entrer f. L intrare ]