enter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛntə/

verb

[with object]
  • 1come or go into (a place): she entered the kitchen [no object]: the door opened and Karl entered
  • [no object] used as a stage direction to indicate when a character comes on stage: enter Hamlet
  • come or be introduced into: the thought never entered my head
  • penetrate (something): the bullet entered his stomach
  • (of a man) insert the penis into the vagina of (a woman): then he entered her, harsh in his passion
  • 2begin to be involved in: in 1941 America entered the war
  • become a member of or start working in (an institution or profession): he entered the army as a cadet
  • register as a competitor or participant in a tournament, race, or examination: they won every race they entered the horse was entered in the Martell Cup at Aintree
  • start or reach (a stage or period of time) in an activity or situation: the election campaign entered its final phase
  • [no object] (of a particular performer in an ensemble) start or resume playing or singing.
  • 3write or key (information) in a book, computer, etc.: children can enter the data into the computer
  • 4 Law submit (a statement) in an official capacity: a solicitor entered a plea of guilty on her behalf

noun

  • (also enter key) a key on a computer keyboard which is used to perform various functions, such as executing a command or selecting options on a menu.

Phrases

enter someone's head (or mind)

(of a thought or idea) occur to someone: the thought never entered my head!

enter into force

come into effect: the treaty entered into force in 1975

enter into the spirit of something

begin to enjoy and feel part of a lively event or atmosphere: people entered into the spirit of the occasion

enter someone's life

(of a person or thing) start to play a significant part in someone’s existence: Shiona had been sixteen when Jake entered her life

Phrasal Verbs

enter into

become involved in (an activity or situation): they have entered into a relationship
undertake to bind oneself by (an agreement or other commitment): the council entered into an agreement with a private firm
form part of or be a factor in: medical ethics also enter into the question

enter on/upon

  • 1 formal begin (an activity or job); start to pursue (a particular course in life): he entered upon a turbulent political career
  • 2 Law (as a legal entitlement) go freely into (property) as or as if the owner: the tenant shall have licence to enter upon the premises

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French entrer, from Latin intrare, from intra 'within'