engage
verb
en·gage
| \ in-ˈgāj
, en-\
, en-\
engaged;
engaging
Definition of engage
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to offer (something, such as one's life or word) as backing to a cause or aim : to expose to risk for the attainment or support of some end
engaged his all in the king's cause
2a
obsolete
: to entangle or entrap in or as if in a snare or bog
b
: to attract and hold by influence or power
3
: to bind (someone, such as oneself) to do something
especially
: to bind by a pledge to marry
4a
: 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
5a
: to hold the attention of : engross
her work engages her completely
b
: to induce to participate
engaged the shy boy in conversation
6a
: to enter into contest or battle with
engage the enemy
b
: to bring together or interlock (weapons)
7
: to deal with especially at length
1a
: to pledge oneself : promise
b
: to make a guarantee
he engages for the honesty of his brother
2a
: to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity
—used with in engaged in trade for many years
b
: to do or take part in something
—used with in engage in healthy activitiesengage in bad conduct
c
: to give attention to something : deal
failing to engage with the problem
3
: to enter into conflict or battle
4
: to come together and interlock
the gears engaged