en-1

 
Pronunciation: /ɪn, ɛn/
(also em-)

prefix

  • 1(added to nouns) forming verbs meaning ‘put into or on’: engulf embed
  • 2(added to nouns and adjectives) forming verbs (often with the suffix -en) meaning ‘bring into the condition of’: embolden encrust
  • 3(added to verbs) in; into; on: ensnare
  • as an intensifier: entangle

Origin:

from French, from Latin in-. See also in-2, a commonly found by-form