Main Entry: in·volve
Pronunciation: \in-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): in·volved; in·volv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, to roll up, wrap, from Latin involvere, from in- + volvere to roll — more at voluble
Date: 14th century
1 archaic : to enfold or envelop so as to encumber
2 a : to engage as a participant {workers involved in building a house} b : to oblige to take part {right of Congress to involve the nation in war} c : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit (as oneself) emotionally {was involved with a married man}
3 : to surround as if with a wrapping : envelop
4 a archaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b : to relate closely : connect
5 a : to have within or as part of itself : include b : to require as a necessary accompaniment : entail c : 3affect {the cancer involved the lymph nodes}
2 a : to engage as a participant {workers involved in building a house} b : to oblige to take part {right of Congress to involve the nation in war} c : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit (as oneself) emotionally {was involved with a married man}
3 : to surround as if with a wrapping : envelop
4 a archaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b : to relate closely : connect
5 a : to have within or as part of itself : include b : to require as a necessary accompaniment : entail c : 3affect {the cancer involved the lymph nodes}
synonyms see include
— in·volve·ment \-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-\ noun
— in·volv·er noun
