ENGAGES | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Looking for the meaning of the word ENGAGES in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of ENGAGES with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.

Word: Engage

Speech Type: Verb

Etymology:

late Middle English (formerly also as ingage): from French engager, ultimately from the base of gage. The word originally meant ‘to pawn or pledge something’, later ‘pledge oneself (to do something’), hence ‘enter into a contract’ (mid 16th century), ‘involve oneself in an activity’, ‘enter into combat’ (mid 17th century), giving rise to the notion ‘involve someone or something else’

Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ
Dialects: British English
Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: ɛnˈɡeɪdʒ
Dialects: British English
Definition:

occupy or attract (someone's interest or attention)

Short Definition:

occupy someone's attention

Examples:
  • he ploughed on, trying to outline his plans and engage Sutton's attention
  • I told him I was otherwise engaged
Definition:

participate or become involved in

Short Definition:

become involved in

Examples:
  • organizations engage in a variety of activities
  • some are actively engaged in crime
Definition:

arrange to employ or hire (someone)

Short Definition:

employ someone

Examples:
  • he was engaged as a trainee copywriter
Definition:

(with reference to a part of a machine or engine) move into position so as to come into operation

Short Definition:

move into position

Examples:
  • the clutch will not engage
  • the driver engaged the gears and pulled out into the road
Definition:

(of fencers or swordsmen) bring (weapons) together preparatory to fighting.

Short Definition:

bring weapons together before fighting

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