engross
verb (used with object)
to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb.
had been engrossing
-
past perfect progressiveof engross.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
She bore the news to d'Ombreval, and upon hearing it he tossed aside the book that had been engrossing him and looked up, a sudden light of relief spreading on his weak face.
From The Trampling of the Lilies by Rafael Sabatini
As they sat huddled together over it, Lawrence finally broached the subject that had been engrossing both their minds for days.
From Claire The Blind Love of a Blind Hero, By a Blind Author by Leslie Burton Blades
All minds veer promptly from the subject which had been engrossing them, to this delightful one of the arrival.
From The Wagnerian Romances by Gertrude Hall Brownell
