All 5 Uses of
engage
in
Brave New World
- Half a dozen nurses ... were engaged in setting out bowls of roses in a long row across the floor.
p. 19..6 (definition 1) *engaged = involved
- Red in the face, he tried to disengage himself from her embrace.
p. 150..9 (definition 2) *disengage = separatestandard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in disengage means not or opposite. It reverses the meaning of engage as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
- He has an unexpected engagement.
p. 165..2 (definition 3) *engagement = activity
- Hastily he looked away, disengaged his imprisoned arm.
p. 169..8 (definition 2)disengaged = untangledstandard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in disengaged means not or opposite. It reverses the meaning of engaged as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
- Horror, horror, horror … he tried to disengage himself; but Lenina tightened her embrace.
p. 192..5 (definition 2)disengage = separatestandard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in disengage means not or opposite. It reverses the meaning of engage as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
Definitions:
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(1) (engage as in: engage in conversation) to interact in various ways -- such as to participate, involve, interest, or attractThe exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example:
- "They engaged in debate." -- participated
- "She engaged him in conversation." -- involved
- "She is an engaging conversationalist." -- interesting
- "She has an engaging smile." -- attractive (attracting interest and interaction)
- "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." -- attracts and involves
- "She engages with her constituents." -- interacts in a meaningful way
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(2) (engage as in: engage the gears) move into position to work; or start
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(3) (engage as in: engage her services) hire, reserve, book, or occupy