Engage1. (v. t.) To put under pledge; to pledge; to place under obligations to do or forbear doing something, as by a pledge, oath, or promise; to bind by contract or promise.
2. (v. t.) To gain for service; to bring in as associate or aid; to enlist; as, to engage friends to aid in a cause; to engage men for service.
3. (v. t.) To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.
4. (v. t.) To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on.
5. (v. t.) To enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict.
6. (v. t.) To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part.
7. (v. i.) To promise or pledge one's self; to enter into an obligation; to become bound; to warrant.
8. (v. i.) To embark in a business; to take a part; to employ or involve one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; as, to engage in controversy.
9. (v. i.) To enter into conflict; to join battle; as, the armies engaged in a general battle.
10. (v. i.) To be in gear, as two cogwheels working together.
Thesaurus Entries
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