verb en·gage | \in-ˈgāj, en-\engaged; engaging
Definition of engage
transitive verb
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
c: to interlock with : MESH also : to cause (mechanical parts) to mesh engage the clutch
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
intransitive verb
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 inengaged in trade for many years
b: to do or take part in something —used with inengage in healthy activities engage 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
