/ ˈentə(r); NAmE / verb
COME / GO IN
1.
(not usually used in the passive) ( formal ) to come or go into sth :
[ v ]
Knock before you enter.
[ vn ]
Someone entered the room behind me.
Where did the bullet enter the body?
( figurative )
A note of defiance entered her voice.
( figurative )
It never entered my head (= I never thought) that she would tell him about me.
JOIN INSTITUTION / START WORK
2.
[ vn ] [ no passive ] to become a member of an institution; to start working in an organization or a profession :
to enter a school / college / university
to enter politics
to enter Parliament (= become an MP)
to enter the Church (= become a priest)
BEGIN ACTIVITY
3.
[ vn ] to begin or become involved in an activity, a situation, etc. :
to enter a relationship / conflict / war
Several new firms have now entered the market.
The investigation has entered a new phase.
The strike is entering its fourth week.
EXAM / COMPETITION
4.
enter (for sth) | enter sb (in / for sth) to put your name on the list for an exam, a race, a competition, etc.; to do this for sb :
[ vn ]
1 000 children entered the competition.
Irish trainers have entered several horses in the race.
How many students have been entered for the exam?
[ v ]
Only four British players have entered for the championship.
WRITE INFORMATION
5.
[ vn ] enter sth (in / into / on sth) to put names, numbers, details, etc. in a list, book or computer :
Enter your name and occupation in the boxes (= on a form) .
to enter data into a computer
to enter figures on a spreadsheet
SAY OFFICIALLY
6.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to say sth officially so that it can be recorded :
to enter a plea of not guilty (= at the beginning of a court case)
to enter an offer
—see also entrance , entry
•
IDIOMS
see force noun , name noun
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- enter into sth
- enter into sth (with sb)
- enter on / upon sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French entrer , from Latin intrare , from intra within.