engaged

[ en-geyjd ]

adjective

1. busy or occupied; involved:

   deeply engaged in conversation.

2. pledged to be married; betrothed:

   an engaged couple.

3. under engagement; pledged:

   an engaged contractor.

4. entered into conflict with:

   desperately engaged armies.

5. Mechanics.
   1. interlocked.
   2. (of wheels) in gear with each other.
6. Architecture. (of a distinct member) built so as to be truly or seemingly attached in part to the structure before which it stands:

   an engaged column.

engaged

/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪdlɪ; ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd /

adjective

1. pledged to be married; betrothed
2. employed, occupied, or busy
3. architect built against or attached to a wall or similar structure

   an engaged column

4. (of a telephone line) already in use

Derived Forms

• engagedly, adverb

Other Words From

• en·gag·ed·ly [en-, gey, -jid-lee, -, geyjd, -], adverb
• en·gaged·ness noun
• unen·gaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engaged¹

First recorded in 1605–15; engage + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“That’s why politicians make fear appeals — they want people to get engaged.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Our investigation has uncovered evidence that Cedars-Sinai may have engaged in a pattern of inaction and/or neglect concerning the health risks associated with Black maternity patients,” the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Gardner and Cohen, who also said he is no longer engaged in the case, said they had not contacted any jurors.

From Los Angeles Times

In November, Ukraine reported its troops had engaged in combat with North Korean troops in the Kursk region of Russia.

From BBC

That came after the two countries engaged in a tit-for-tat balloon campaign, flying thousands of trash and propaganda balloons towards each other’s territories.

From BBC

Related Words

• absorbed
• committed
• employed
• engrossed
• interested
• involved
• occupied
• preoccupied
• working