verb
engage
in-GAYJ/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To become actively involved or draw someone into involvement.
The science teacher engages two children with a colorful prism.
Etymology
Being under a pledge meant being bound by a promise or commitment. That idea of binding extended to holding someone's attention: something engaging keeps the person mentally involved or occupied.
In context
bring in bits of Comedy to break up the story to take viewers by surprise and really hit them with things that really engage them.
More examples
- Residents engage in lively discussions about the new park.
- The project engages students in solving real problems.
- The soldiers engage the enemy near the bridge.
Forms
engage · engages · engaged · engaging
engagement noun — Active involvement in an activity or discussion.
engaging adjective — Attracting and holding someone's interest.
Similar words
- involve
- Involve emphasizes bringing someone into an activity or situation.
- participate
- Participate means taking part, not drawing other people in.
- captivate
- Captivate emphasizes holding attention rather than encouraging active participation.