engross

[ en-grohs ]

verb (used with object)

1. to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb:

   Their discussion engrossed his attention.

   She is engrossed in her work.

   Synonyms: engage, immerse, involve

2. to write or copy in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record:

   to engross a deed.

3. to acquire the whole of (a commodity), in order to control the market; monopolize.

engross

/ ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪdlɪ; ɪnˈɡrəʊs /

verb

1. to occupy one's attention completely; absorb
2. to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting
3. law to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution
4. another word for corner

Derived Forms

• engrossedly, adverb
• enˈgrosser, noun
• enˈgrossed, adjective

Other Words From

• en·gross·er noun
• re·en·gross verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of engross¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English engros(s)en “to gather in large quantities, draft (a will, etc.) in final form,” from Anglo-French engrosser, partly from Medieval Latin ingrossāre “to thicken, write large and thick” ( Latin in- in- ² + gross(us) “thick” + -āre infinitive suffix); partly from Anglo-French, Middle French en gros “in quantity, wholesale,” from Latin in + grossus; gross

Word History and Origins

Origin of engross¹

C14 (in the sense: to buy up wholesale): from Old French en gros in quantity; C15 (in the sense: to write in large letters): probably from Medieval Latin ingrossāre; both from Latin grossus thick, gross

Example Sentences

The nation was engrossed in the tale of these two charismatic yet troubled young men who seemed to have it all between wealth and looks before they violently snapped, taking their parents’ lives with shotguns.

From Los Angeles Times

His defence lawyer Bob Elias said he was a "lonely, socially isolated" man who had "plunged down the rabbit hole to this sort of fantasy life and became completely engrossed in it".

From BBC

He was on the Red Bull's tail just over 10 laps later and the two set about an engrossing battle over the next 10 laps.

From BBC

“That’s what we want to do — tell stories for people to be engrossed by and if they are engrossed, then job done.”

From Los Angeles Times

And Total Film's Jamie Graham said Watkins' "shrewd, engrossing and pleasingly nasty" imagining is unafraid to push the source material in new directions, with McAvoy "perfect... for this particular brand of Alpha male brute".

From BBC

Related Words

• bewitch
• captivate
• enrapture
• enthrall
• fascinate
• immerse
• preoccupy