v.
Pronunciation: in- ' g ā j, en-
Function: verb
Inflected Form: en · gaged ; en · gag · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French engager, from en- + gage pledge, gage
Date: 15th century
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 engage s 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
intransitive verb
1 a : to pledge oneself : PROMISE b : GUARANTEE <he engage s for the honesty of his brother>
2 a : to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity < engaged in trade for a number of years> b : to take part : PARTICIPATE <at college she engaged in gymnastics> c : to give attention to something : DEAL <the author's unwillingness to engage with our political system ― C. E. Rosenberg>
3 : to enter into conflict or battle
4 : to come together and interlock (as of machinery parts) : be or become in gear