3 meanings, 6 uses
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1 —1 use as in:
engage in conversation
Definition
to interact in various ways — such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract
The 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
- The Japanese turned on civilians, engaging in killing contests, raping tens of thousands of people, mutilating and crucifying them, and provoking dogs to maul them.p. 88.7
engaging = being involved
There are no more uses of "engage" flagged with this meaning in Unbroken by Hillenbrand.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —3 uses as in:
engaged and then married
Definition
promised to marry
- In critical ways, she was engaged to a stranger.p. 341.8
engaged = in an agreement to marry
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- When she turned twenty-one, he sent her his pay and asked her to find an engagement ring.p. 57.7
- He lost his temper and abruptly said that maybe they should call off the engagement.p. 343.7
engagement = related to a promise to marry
engagement = agreement to marry
There are no more uses of "engaged" flagged with this meaning in Unbroken by Hillenbrand.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
3 —2 uses as in:
engage the enemy
Definition
begin fighting
- He'd seen a distant Zero at Wake, but had never been engaged by one.p. 94.1
engaged = attacked
- No Japanese planes or guns engaged him.p. 250.6
engaged = attacked
There are no more uses of "engage" flagged with this meaning in Unbroken by Hillenbrand.
Typical Usage
(best examples)