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 (sense 21b)
Derived forms
engrossed (enˈgrossed)
adjective
engrossedly (ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪdlɪ)
adverb
engrosser (enˈgrosser)
noun
Word origin
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 MedievalLatin ingrossāre; both from Latin grossus thick, gross
engross in American English
(ɛnˈgroʊs; ɪnˈgroʊs)
verb transitive
1.
a.
to write out in large letters of a kind once used for legal documents
b.
to make a final fair copy of (esp. a legislative bill)
2.
to express formally or in legal form
3.
to take the entire attention of; occupy wholly; absorb
engrossed in a book
4. Archaic
a.
to buy all of so as to monopolize
b.
to take or require all of
Derived forms
engrosser (enˈgrosser)
noun
engrossment (enˈgrossment)
noun
Word origin
ME engrossen < OFr engrosser, to acquire in large quantity (< en-, in + gros, large < L grossus) & engroissier, to become thick < en- + groisse, thickness < VL *grossia < L grossus: see gross
Examples of 'engross' in a sentence
engross
To see as an artist you have to become completely engrossed in the subject.
Improve Your Landscape Painting
Who with my grandchildren and was surprised to find myself totally engrossed.
The Sun (2006)
The details of this are utterly engrossing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Some members of the audience were utterly engrossed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Our daughter became engrossed in one book but had not finished it by the time the holiday ended.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
An epic, engrossing study of compromise.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It's not the longest of games but what it packs in is completely engrossing.
The Sun (2006)
What was meant to be a quick one-hour review turned into four engrossed ones.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It's certainly authentic and completely engrossing.
The Sun (2014)
For the most part, the drama is kinetic and utterly engrossing.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Our daughter became engrossed in one, but had not finished it by the time we left.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The next two days will bring more of the same - an utterly engrossing rewind to a time that sport forgot.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Totally engrossed in each other.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Utterly engrossing and exceptionally moving.
The Sun (2013)
His films are utterly engrossing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A totally engrossing and fun read.
The Sun (2010)
It's impossible not to become completely engrossed in his weird, cerebral little world.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And, best of all, each one has engrossed us with his intriguing love life.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This is technically accomplished stuff, but more importantly, it is utterly engrossing.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Synonyms of 'engross'
absorb, hold, involve, arrest
More Synonyms of engross
(verb)
Definition
to occupy the attention of (someone) completely
There's something about them which engrosses the public.
Synonyms
absorb
a second career which absorbed her more completely than acting ever had
hold
Didn't it hold your attention?
involve
arrest
As he reached the hall, he saw what had arrested her.
occupy
I had other matters to occupy me that day.
engage
She tried to engage me in conversation.
preoccupy
a question that continues to preoccupy the more serious papers
engulf
He was engulfed by a feeling of emptiness.
immerse
I was able to immerse myself in family life.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of arrest
Definition
to catch and hold (one's attention)
As he reached the hall, he saw what had arrested her.
Synonyms
fascinate,
hold,
involve,
catch,
occupy,
engage,
grip,
absorb,
entrance,
intrigue,
rivet,
enthral,
mesmerize,
engross,
spellbind
in the sense of engage
Definition
to involve (a person or his or her attention) intensely