engross

Engross is a verb meaning to capture and hold someone's full attention; to absorb or interest someone completely. The subject is often a book, speech, or performance, and one can be engrossed in a task or pastime. The past participle engrossed describes such a state, as in “She was engrossed in the novel.” The gerund engrossing describes something that holds interest.

In legal contexts, engross also means to prepare a final, formal version of a document for official signature, such as a bill in a legislative body. The noun engrossment refers to the process or the final copy itself.

Etymology: the word derives from Old French engrosser, from en- plus gros meaning “large” or “thick.” The sense evolved from making something larger or whole to occupying attention or preparing a document in its final form.

Usage notes: the term is somewhat formal; in everyday speech, synonyms such as absorbing, captivating, or gripping are common. Engrossment is most often used in legal or formal writing to denote a final, binding version of a document or the act of preparing such a version, while engrossed or engrossing describe people or things that command attention.