engrossed in• He paused at the directoryexhibitednear a desk where a brown-uniformed guard sat, engrossed in a newspaper.• He checked the door of the church was locked and stood engrossed in his own thoughts about Cranston.• Later, at home, he'd sat engrossed in his work.• Their great protector was miles away, engrossed inParcheesi.• Mattie grunted abstractedly, totally engrossed in peering at the various plastic containers and bowls in the refrigerator.• When she became engrossed in some new work he made her preoccupation an excuse for drawing away from her.• I soon found myself engrossed in the history of the valley; tales and stories of the turbulenttimes of Borderwars.• LowMachs become engrossed in the other individuals' needs, while neglecting their own needs.
Originengross
(1300-1400)Anglo-Frenchengrosser, from Frenchen gros“in a mass, by wholesale”