engross

[ en-grohs ]
/ ɛnˈgroʊs /

verb (used with object)

to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb: Their discussion engrossed his attention. She is engrossed in her work.
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.
to acquire the whole of (a commodity), in order to control the market; monopolize.

Origin of engross

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

OTHER WORDS FROM engross

Example sentences from the Web for engross

British Dictionary definitions for engross

engross
/ (ɪnˈɡrəʊs) /

verb (tr)

to occupy one's attention completely; absorb
to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting
law to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution
another word for corner (def. 21b)

Derived forms of engross

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

Word Origin for engross

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