engrave Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
    scratch; inscribe; grave.
    • engrave a pen
    • engraved the trophy cupt with the winner's
    • the lovers scratched their names into the bark of the tree
  2. verb impress or affect deeply
    • The event engraved itself into her memory
  3. verb carve or cut into a block used for printing or print from such a block
    etch.
    • engrave a letter
  4. verb carve or cut a design or letters into
    etch.
    • engrave the pen with the owner's name

WordNet

En*grave" transitive verb
Etymology
Pref. en- + grave a tomb. Cf. Engrave to carve.
Definitions
  1. To deposit in the grave; to bury. Obs. "Their corses to engrave." Spenser.
En*grave" transitive verb
Etymology
Pref. en- + grave to carve: cf. OF. engraver.
Wordforms
imperfect Engraved ; past participle Engraved or Engraven ; present participle & verbal noun Engraving
Definitions
  1. To cut in; to make by incision. Obs.
    Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh He did engrave. Spenser.
  2. To cut with a graving instrument in order to form an inscription or pictorial representation; to carve figures; to mark with incisions.
    Like . . . . a signet thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel. Ex. xxviii. 11.
  3. To form or represent by means of incisions upon wood, stone, metal, or the like; as, to engrave an inscription.
  4. To impress deeply; to infix, as if with a graver.
    Engrave principles in men's minds. Locke.

Webster 1913