to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons)

He engaged her in conversation.

to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire

to engage a worker; to engage a room.

to attract and hold fast

The novel engaged her attention and interest.

to attract or please

His good nature engages everyone.

to bind, as by pledge, promise, contract, or oath; make liable

He engaged himself to repay his debt within a month.

to betroth (usually used in the passive)

They were engaged last week.

to bring (troops) into conflict; enter into conflict with

Our army engaged the enemy.

Mechanics . to cause (gears or the like) to become interlocked; interlock with.

to attach or secure.

Obsolete . to entangle or involve.

to occupy oneself; become involved

to engage in business or politics.

to take employment

She engaged in her mother's business.

to pledge one's word; assume an obligation

I was unwilling to engage on such terms.

to cross weapons; enter into conflict

The armies engaged early in the morning.

Mechanics . (of gears or the like) to interlock.

verb

banish , discharge , dismiss , eject , expel , fire , let go , oust , release , decline , refuse , reject , shun , break off , break up , give up , surrender , yield , cancel , defuse , disconnect

verb

appoint , bespeak , book , bring on board , charter , come on board , commission , contract , employ , enlist , enroll , ink , lease , place , prearrange , put on , rent , reserve , retain , secure , sign on , sign up , take on , truck with , absorb , allure , arrest , bewitch , busy , captivate , catch , charm , draw , embark on , enamor , enchant , enter into , enthrall , fascinate , give a try , give a whirl , go for broke , go in for , go out for , grip * , have a fling at , have a go at , have a shot at , imbue , immerse , interest , involve , join , keep busy , monopolize , partake , participate , pitch in , practice , preengage , preoccupy , set about , soak , tackle * , take part , tie up , try on for size , undertake , affiance , agree , betroth , bind , commit , covenant , give one’s word , guarantee , hook , obligate , oblige , pass , pledge , tie , troth , turn on * , vouch , vow , assail , assault , combat , do battle with , encounter , face , fall on , give battle to , join battle with , launch , meet , strike , activate , apply , attach , dovetail , energize , fasten , get going , interact , interlace , interlock , intermesh , interplay , lock , mesh , switch on , hire , promise , occupy , draw in , carry on , have , indulge , preempt , battle , conduce , embark , engross , entangle , enter , persuade , plight