engrossed

[ en-grohst ]

adjective

1. completely occupied or absorbed, as by something that captures the mind or attention; showing or characterized by such absorption:

   A carefully planned light show, combined with a five-minute tapestry of spacey sounds by the quartet, brought the engrossed audience into a meditative state.

2. written or copied in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record:

   In the year 1776 Hopkinson voted for the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his signature to the engrossed copy of that memorable instrument.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of engross ( def ).

Other Words From

• en·gross·ed·ly [en-, groh, -sid-lee, -, grohst, -lee], adverb
• self-en·grossed adjective
• un·en·grossed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engrossed¹

engross ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

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

“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

The 71-year-old homeowner is said to have awoken and confronted the alleged thief, who was engrossed in the book.

From BBC

For Zendaya’s fearsome Tashi Duncan, pure tennis is when she becomes so engrossed in the movement of her limbs that the rest of the world disappears.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absorbed
• captivated
• consumed
• engaged
• enthralled
• submerged