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

/ ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪdlɪ, ɪnˈɡrəʊs /

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

Other Word Forms

• engrosser noun
• reengross verb (used with object)
• engrossedly adverb
• engrossed adjective

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

Scott Eyman faces a triple challenge in his richly engrossing biography “Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Anthony Gottlieb sums him up in an engrossing biography, “Ludwig Wittgenstein: Philosophy in the Age of Airplanes,” writing that “his charismatic gift was to be halting, self-deprecating and imperious all at the same time.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Steele is also engrossed by the meltdown at the Heritage Foundation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So it feels fitting the pair's battle for supremacy in 2025 - like all engrossing stories - will have a gripping final chapter.

Read more on BBC

For much of the summer, though, he was engrossed in something else.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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