Definition

1. Verb:
   • To occupy completely the mind or attention of someone; to absorb fully: To engage someone's interest or attention so completely that other things are not noticed.
   • To copy or write a document in a large, clear, or formal hand, especially for legal or official purposes: To prepare a final, formal version of a text.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Meaning: to absorb attention):
  • The fascinating documentary completely engrossed the audience for two hours.
  • She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell.
• Verb (Meaning: to write formally):
  • The clerk was asked to engross the treaty in a special script for the signing ceremony.
  • In the past, scribes would engross important decrees on parchment.

Advanced Usage

• "to be engrossed in something": To be completely focused on or absorbed by something.
  • He was utterly engrossed in solving the complex puzzle.
• "to engross oneself in something": To devote one's complete attention and effort to an activity.
  • She engrossed herself in her research, working late into the night.

Variants and Related Words

• Engrossing (adj.): Deeply holding one's attention; fascinating.
  • The novel provides an engrossing story from start to finish.
• Engrossment (n.): The state of being completely absorbed or occupied; also, the formal preparation of a document.
  • His engrossment in the task was absolute.

Synonyms

• Absorb: To engage someone's interest completely.
• Immerse: To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity.
• Preoccupy: To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
• Captivate: To attract and hold the interest and attention of.

Related Phrases

• Engross the market (Historical/Commercial): To buy up a large portion of a commodity to control its price (an archaic usage).
  • The merchant tried to engross the wheat supply.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary modern use of engross relates to mental absorption and deep focus.
• The meaning related to formal writing is now specialized, used primarily in legal, ceremonial, or historical contexts. It often implies creating a final, authoritative copy.

Verb

1. consume all of one's attention or time
   • Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
2. devote (oneself) fully to
   • He immersed himself into his studies