preengage

or pre-en·gage

[ pree-en-geyj ]

verb (used with or without object)

, pre·en·gaged, pre·en·gag·ing.

1. to engage beforehand.
2. to put under obligation, especially to marry, by a prior engagement.
3. to win the favor or attention of beforehand:

   Other matters preengaged him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preengage¹

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- + engage

Example Sentences

Last night I entertained myself with imaging A project which, if I adopted it, Would preëngage me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrest
• catch
• employ
• fascinate
• immerse
• interest
• involve
• join
• participate
• preoccupy
• undertake