1 [with object] occupy or attract (someone’s interest or attention):he ploughed on, trying to outline his plans and engage Sutton’s attention I told him I was otherwise engaged (
engage someone in)
involve someone in (a conversation or discussion): they attempted to engage Anthony in conversation
2 [no object] (
engage in or
be engaged in)
participate or become involved in:organizations engage in a variety of activities some are actively engaged in crime (
engage with)
establish a meaningful contact or connection with:the teams needed to engage with local communities
3 [with object] arrange to employ or hire (someone):he was engaged as a trainee copywriter [with infinitive] pledge or enter into a contract to do something:he engaged to pay them £10,000 against a bond dated reserve (accommodation, a place, etc.) in advance: she had offered to engage a room in the house of the woman
4(with reference to a part of a machine or engine) move into position so as to come into operation: [with object]:the clutch will not engage [with object]:the driver engaged the gears and pulled out into the road
5 [with object] (of fencers or swordsmen) bring (weapons) together preparatory to fighting. [with object] enter into combat with (an enemy): tank and infantry units engaged the enemy
