engage (one) in (something)

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engage (one) in (something)

1. To do some task or activity. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is not typically used between "engage" and "in." Dad is engaged in fixing the car, so he can't talk right now. Hang on, I'm in engaged in ironing, and I don't want to burn myself! Ugh, I'm engaged in cleaning out the attic today—please come keep me company!

2. To include or involve one in something. Phil is always making snide comments, but I refuse to let him engage me in an argument. Although Dad tries to engage me in auto repairs, they're just not interesting to me. I'm sorry I didn't call you back—Jenny engaged me in some juicy gossip from school.

3. To occupy one with a task or activity. See if you can engage the kids in a game this afternoon so that I can get some work done. Don't worry, I'll engage the interns in filing or something. If we have a substitute teacher, they're just going to engage us in dumb busy work all day.

engage someone or something in something

1. . to make someone or a group busy doing something. She knew how to engage the boys in useful activity. The den mother engaged the scouts in a woodworking project.

2. to draw someone or something into something. The enemy sought to engage our troops in battle but failed. I tried to engage Gerald in conversation.

engage in

1. To participate in some activity: The soldiers engaged in combat. The law students engaged in a mock trial.

2. To involve or draw someone or something into some activity: I engaged the new student in conversation. I was engaged in deep thought when the fire alarm went off.