engrave

[ en-greyv ]

verb (used with object)

, en·graved, en·grav·ing.

1. to chase (letters, designs, etc.) on a hard surface, as of metal, stone, or the end grain of wood:

   She had the jeweler engrave her name on the back of the watch.

2. to print from such a surface.
3. to mark or ornament with incised letters, designs, etc.:

   He engraved the ring in a floral pattern.

4. to impress deeply; infix:

   That image is engraved on my mind.

engrave

/ ɪnˈɡreɪv /

verb

1. to inscribe (a design, writing, etc) onto (a block, plate, or other surface used for printing) by carving, etching with acid, or other process
2. to print (designs or characters) from a printing plate so made
3. to fix deeply or permanently in the mind

Derived Forms

• enˈgraver, noun

Other Words From

• en·grava·ble adjective
• en·graver noun
• reen·grave verb (used with object) reengraved reengraving
• super·en·grave verb (used with object) superengraved superengraving
• under·en·graver noun
• unen·graved adjective
• well-en·graved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engrave¹

1500–10; < Middle French engraver; en- ¹, grave ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of engrave¹

C16: from en- ¹+ grave ³, on the model of French engraver

Example Sentences

The show begins with an extensive selection of luxury astrolabes, a technical instrument of engraved and ornamented metal plates and dials used for timekeeping, astronomy and navigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Historians say the colonial administrators put down any rebellions and often burnt Naga villages to subdue them, in the process erasing much of their important cultural markers such as paintings, engravings and artefacts.

From BBC

In 1970, the giant gold-plated necklace engraved with precious stones went missing from the Temple of Taleju - the goddess known as the chief protective deity of Nepal.

From BBC

And, yeah, that one will for sure forever stay engraved.”

From BBC

In anticipation of this, Mabel hid and stored some of the beautiful paintings and engravings from the church, meaning they were saved from damage.

From BBC

Related Words

• chisel
• embed
• etch
• imprint
• ingrain
• inscribe