engross
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb.
Their discussion engrossed his attention.
She is engrossed in her work.
-
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.
-
to acquire the whole of (a commodity), in order to control the market; monopolize.
verb
-
to occupy one's attention completely; absorb
-
to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting
-
law to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution
-
another word for corner
Other Word Forms
- engrossed adjective
- engrossedly adverb
- engrosser noun
- reengross verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of engross
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But a plot, no matter how engrossing, can’t shoulder the burden alone.
From Los Angeles Times
As metaphors for the American dream go, Gabriel Tallent’s taut and engrossing second novel, “Crux,” is exceedingly direct: It’s literally a book about climbing.
From Los Angeles Times
His experience with the material lends weight to a thoroughly engrossing tale.
One engrossing match can take multiple episodes to finish, but that time feels essential to understanding the stakes and intricacies of the game.
From Salon
The chief exception: the Getty, where its Brentwood anchor and Pacific Palisades outpost accounted for three of the 10 most engrossing museum exhibitions in 2025, all 10 presented here in order of their opening dates.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
