engage

Definition

To engage is to initiate a fight, usually with a hard-CC ability that locks down enemies and opens a window for follow-up damage. Engage champions in MOBAs (Malphite, Leona, Nautilus) or tanks in hero shooters (Reinhardt, Winston) are designed to start fights. Mistimed engages lose team fights; well-timed ones win them.

Example

"On three — engage on the support." The shot-caller signals to start a fight, focusing the enemy backline.

Related terms

• peel
• team fight
• ult
• tank