engage

Meanings

1. To interact socially.
2. To engross or hold the attention of; to keep busy or occupied.
3. To draw into conversation.
4. To attract, to please; (archaic) to fascinate or win over (someone).
5. To interact antagonistically.
6. To enter into conflict with (an enemy).
7. To enter into battle.
8. To interact contractually.
9. To arrange to employ or use (a worker, a space, etc.).
10. To guarantee or promise (to do something).
11. To bind through legal or moral obligation (to do something, especially to marry) (usually in passive).
12. To pledge, pawn (one's property); to put (something) at risk or on the line; to mortgage (houses, land).

Etymology

From Middle English engagen, from Old French engagier (“to pledge, engage”), from Frankish *anwadjōn (“to pledge”), from Proto-Germanic *an-, *andi- + Proto-Germanic *wadjōną (“to pledge, secure”), from Proto-Germanic *wadją (“pledge, guarantee”), from Proto-Indo-European *wedʰ- (“to pledge, redeem a pledge; guarantee, bail”), equivalent to en- + gage. Cognate with Old English anwedd (“pledge, security”), Old English weddian (“to engage, covenant, undertake”), German wetten (“to bet, wager”), Icelandic veðja (“to wager”). More at wed.