— engager , n.
/en gayj"/ , v. , engaged, engaging .
v.t.
1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons): He engaged her in conversation.
2. to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire: to engage a worker; to engage a room.
3. to attract and hold fast: The novel engaged her attention and interest.
4. to attract or please: His good nature engages everyone.
5. to bind, as by pledge, promise, contract, or oath; make liable: He engaged himself to repay his debt within a month.
6. to betroth (usually used in the passive): They were engaged last week.
7. to bring (troops) into conflict; enter into conflict with: Our army engaged the enemy.
8. Mech. to cause (gears or the like) to become interlocked; interlock with.
9. to attach or secure.
10. Obs. to entangle or involve.
v.i.
11. to occupy oneself; become involved: to engage in business or politics.
12. to take employment: She engaged in her mother's business.
13. to pledge one's word; assume an obligation: I was unwilling to engage on such terms.
14. to cross weapons; enter into conflict: The armies engaged early in the morning.
15. Mech. (of gears or the like) to interlock.
[ 1515-25; engager, OF engagier. See EN- 1 , GAGE 1 ]
Syn. 1. absorb, engross, interest, involve.
Ant. 2. discharge. 8. release.