'engaged' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'engagier,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'gage' meant 'pledge.'

'engagier' transformed into the Middle English word 'engagen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'engage.'

Initially, it meant 'to pledge or bind by a promise,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'involved in an activity' and 'formally pledged to marry.'