engross

[ en-grohs ]
See synonyms for: engrossengrossedengrossing on Thesaurus.com

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.

  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.

  1. to acquire the whole of (a commodity), in order to control the market; monopolize.

Origin of engross

1
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; see gross

Other words for engross

Other words from engross

  • en·gross·er, noun
  • re·en·gross, verb (used with object)

Words Nearby engross

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use engross in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for engross

engross

/ (ɪnˈɡrəʊs) /


verb(tr)
  1. to occupy one's attention completely; absorb

  2. to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting

  1. law to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution

  2. another word for corner (def. 21b)

Origin of engross

1
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

Derived forms of engross

  • engrossed, adjective
  • engrossedly (ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪdlɪ), adverb
  • engrosser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012