engage meaning and examples

Meaning

The verb engage has several related meanings depending on the context:

1. To attract and hold someone’s attention.
2. To participate or become involved in an activity.
3. To employ or hire someone.
4. To enter into conflict or interaction (often military or mechanical).
5. To promise or pledge (formal/old-fashioned usage).

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Verb (transitive/intransitive).

• Common patterns:

  • engage in sth = take part in something.
  • engage with sb/sth = interact or become involved with.
  • engage sb to do sth = hire/employ someone for a task.
  • engage sb’s attention = attract someone’s attention.
  • engage to do sth = formally promise (old-fashioned).

Common Phrases

• engage in conversation
• engage in business
• engage with customers
• engage troops in battle
• engage attention

Collocations

• Verb + engage: try to engage, seek to engage, fail to engage
• Engage + noun: engage interest, engage attention, engage services
• Prepositions: engage in, engage with, engage on

Examples

1. The speaker tried to engage the audience’s attention with a story.
2. She often engages in volunteer work on weekends.
3. The company engaged a consultant to review the project.
4. The soldiers were ordered to engage the enemy.
5. Teachers are encouraged to engage with parents more actively.
6. The film failed to engage me, and I lost interest halfway.
7. The lawyer was engaged to handle the case.
8. He engaged in a heated debate with his colleague.

Synonyms or Related

• attract (attention)
• involve
• participate
• hire / employ
• enlist
• battle / confront (in military context)