engage
UK: ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ | US: ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ
vt. to occupy or attract someone’s attention or interest
vt. to enter into a contract or agreement
vt. to participate or become involved in an activity
vi. to interact or mesh (e.g., gears)
The word "engage" originated in Middle English from Old French engager, combining "en-" (into) and "gage" (pledge). It originally referred to pledging something as security, later expanding to mean "binding oneself" to an activity or agreement. The modern sense of "attracting attention" or "participating" evolved metaphorically from the idea of being "bound" to an action or interaction.
The teacher tried to engage the students with a lively discussion.
They decided to engage a lawyer for the legal dispute.
She loves to engage in volunteer work on weekends.
The gears failed to engage properly, causing the machine to stall.
His speech was designed to engage the audience emotionally.