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

/ ɪnˈɡrəʊs; ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪdlɪ /

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

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

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 smaller partner should have this capability because actual breakout will most probably occur when the US is engrossed with a crisis elsewhere, be it Venezuela, the South China Sea islands, Taiwan, Ukraine or an interregnum.

From Time

Never in recent history has the world been so engrossed by the most mundane stages of the scientific process.

From Popular-Science

A 2018 study suggested that mindfulness can help elite athletes achieve a flow state, the zone where body and mind are in sync and engrossed in the action being performed.

From Outside Online

She became engrossed in whether mother trees recognize their offspring in forest networks when she became a mother of two daughters.

From Washington Post

She rejects reductive analyses for a rich debate that will engross any avid reader.

From Time

The highest themes which can elevate or engross the mind of man claimed her profound and delighted reveries.

From Project Gutenberg

I stumbled to her side, half-blinded, stood looking down at the scene which seemed to engross her.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, the immediate pressure of our adventurer's own affairs was such as exclusively to engross his attention.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not think that I am less impatient now than formerly to repossess—to entirely engross—my own treasured love.

From Project Gutenberg

The interests of a moment engross and captivate the passions, and kindle ardours which burn with incessant vigour.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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