engross

UK: /ɪnˈɡrəʊs/ US: /ɛnˈgroʊs/ ,(en grōs′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

en•gross /ɛnˈgroʊs/   v. [~ + object]

1. to occupy the mind or one's attention completely;
   absorb:
   Crossword puzzles engrossed him for hours.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

en•gross  (en grōs′), v.t. 

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

• Latin in + grossus; see gross
• Anglo-French, Middle French en gros in quantity, wholesale
• Medieval Latin ingrossāre to thicken, write large and thick (Latin in- in-² + gross(us) thick + -āre infinitive suffix); partly
• Anglo-French engrosser, partly
• Middle English engros(s)en to gather in large quantities, draft (a will, etc.) in final form 1275–1325

en•gross•ed•ly  (en grō′sid lē, -grōst′-), adv.  en•gross′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. involve, immerse, engage.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

engross / ɪnˈɡrəʊs/ verb (transitive)

1. to occupy one's attention completely; absorb
2. to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting
3. to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution
4. another word for corner21b

Etymology: 14th Century (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

enˈgrossed adjective