engagement

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of sharing in the activities of a group

   The teacher tried to increase their students' engagement in class activities.

2. 2
   noun

   contact by fitting together

   the engagement of the clutch

3. 3
   noun

   An appointment, especially to speak or perform.

   The lecturer has three speaking engagements this week.

4. 4
   noun

   Connection or attachment.

   Check the gears for full engagement before turning the handle.

5. 5
   noun

   The feeling of being compelled, drawn in, connected to what is happening, interested in what will happen next.

   In a recent study with a movie recommendation site […], higher message interactivity in the form of footprints of user actions, responsive suggestions in a search box, and live-chatting with an online agent led to greater perceived contingency and engagement with the site, which ultimately created more positive attitudes toward it and higher intention to recommend the site to others.

6. 6
   noun

   The period of time when marriage is planned or promised.

   We are enjoying a long engagement, but haven't yet set a date.

7. 7
   noun

   In any situation of conflict, an actual instance of active hostilities.

   The engagement resulted in many casualties.

8. 8
   noun

   The point at which the fencers are close enough to join blades, or to make an effective attack during an encounter.

   After engagement it quickly became clear which of the fencers was going to prevail.

Etymology

From French engagement. Equivalent to engage + -ment.