Definition of involve

The word "involve" originates from the Latin words "in" (meaning "in" or "on") and "volvere" (meaning "to roll"). In Latin, the verb "involvere" meant "to wrap around" or "to envelop". This sense of wrapping or encircling something carried over into Middle English, where "involve" initially meant "to wrap around" or "to surround". Over time, the meaning of "involve" expanded to include the sense of engaging or participating in something, such as an activity, process, or situation. This sense of engagement or participation is thought to have arisen from the idea of being wrapped around or enveloped by an activity, much like one would be wrapped around by a cloak. Today, "involve" is commonly used to indicate participation, association, or connection with something, such as "The project involved many volunteers" or "The issue involves a complex set of factors".