Engross
Verb
Definition: To absorb all the attention or interest of.
Synonyms: Captivate, Immerse, Preoccupy
Antonyms: Bore, Disinterest, Distract
Examples:
- The novel's gripping storyline engrossed the readers.
- The movie completely engrossed me, and I lost track of time.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine being so engrossed in a book that you are completely submerged in the story.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'ingrossen', from Old French 'engrossier', from en- ('make') + gros ('wholesale')
Historical Usage:The term originally referred to buying up goods to sell at a higher price, but it later evolved to mean monopolizing attention or interest.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Engross someone's attention"
Explanation:To completely hold someone's attention and focus.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'engross' with 'absorb'.
Explanation:While 'engross' does mean to absorb attention or interest, it emphasizes monopolizing or fully occupying it.