involve

verb in·volve \ in-ˈvälv , -ˈvȯlv also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of involve

involved; involving

transitive verb

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 (someone, such as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit (someone) 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

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involvement

play \in-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-\ noun

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involver

noun

See involve defined for English-language learners

See involve defined for kids

Examples of involve in a Sentence

He told us a story involving life on a farm.
She remained involved with the organization for many years.
Renovating the house involved hiring a contractor.
The disease continued to spread until it involved the entire jaw.

Recent Examples of involve from the Web

The Brooklyn Museum’s animal mummies — which are on view through January 21 — have become key figures in a multiyear investigation involving Egyptologists, conservators and even a veterinary radiologist.

— jonathon keats, Discover Magazine, "The Animal Mummy Business," 10 Nov. 2017
The final, frantic efforts suggest the stakes involved.

— Washington Post, "In the final sprint to Election Day, an historic push to turn out voters in Va," 6 Nov. 2017
Rodgers first said on a late-night TV show that his surgery involved having 13 screws placed in his throwing shoulder.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "What 13 screws means for Aaron Rodgers' possible return," 5 Nov. 2017
But instead of bidding actual dollars, Liam had a different idea — one involving crocodile teeth.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Appear on "Saturday Night Live"," 5 Nov. 2017
Free Soccer Sure some of the games go long and involve overtimes or penalty kicks.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Springer: Do you get to wear your football face paint next week?," 4 Nov. 2017
The conversations that began with student groups, faculty, and staff yesterday are going to continue and involve our full community.

— Essence.com, "#JusticeForJazzy: University Of Hartford President Confirms Brianna Brochu Is No Longer Attending The School," 2 Nov. 2017
But there are more ways to get home than just a taxi, so making a decision involves weighing the pros and cons of each possibility.

— mark johnson, jsonline.com, "Can math be used to predict an outbreak?," 2 Nov. 2017
According to online court documents, two lawsuits have been filed involving the project.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Developers of Portage Sport Resort file for bankruptcy," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'involve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of involve

Middle English, to roll up, wrap, from Latin involvere, from in- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

involve Synonyms

Synonyms

affect, concern, touch

Antonyms

exclude, leave (out), miss out [British], omit

Related Words

appertain (to), apply (to), bear (on), pertain (to), refer (to), relate (to); embroil, ensnare, entangle, implicate

Near Antonyms

ban, bar, debar, preclude, prevent, prohibit; deny, refuse, reject; eliminate, except, rule out; lose, mislay, misplace

Synonym Discussion of involve

include, comprehend, embrace, involve mean to contain within as part of the whole. include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole.

- the price of dinner includes dessert

comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition.

- his system comprehends all history

embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole.

- her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence.

- the new job involves a lot of detail

INVOLVE Defined for English Language Learners

involve

verb

Definition of involve for English Language Learners

: to have or include (someone or something) as a part of something
: to cause (someone) to be included in some activity, situation, etc. : to cause (someone) to take part in something
: to cause (someone) to be associated with someone or something

INVOLVE Defined for Kids

involve

verb in·volve \ in-ˈvälv , -ˈvȯlv \

Definition of involve for Students

involved; involving

1 : to draw into a situation : engage

The teacher involved her students in the project.

2 : to take part in

I'm not involved in the planning.

3 : include

The accident involved three cars.

4 : to be accompanied by

The plan involves some risk.

5 : to have or take the attention of completely

He was deeply involved in his work.

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involvement

\-mənt\ noun

Word Root of involve

The Latin word volvere, meaning “to roll” or “to turn around,” gives us the root volv. Words from the Latin volvere have something to do with turning. To revolve is to turn in circles or travel on a circular path. To evolve, or grow or develop out of something else, is to unroll from a source. To involve, or include, is to roll someone into a situation.