1.engineer的基本意思是“设计”,指从工程学的角度对某个建筑事项(如公路、桥梁等)在动工之前所进行的必要的测量、计算、安排等。引申可表示为“策划”“图谋”“安排”“处理”等。
2.engineer只用作及物动词,接由名词或代词充当的简单宾语。作“计划”“建造”解时,常用于被动结构。

用作及物动词
▲S+～+n./pron.
He engineered a railway.他设计过一条铁路。
He had powerful enemies who engineered his downfall.他的敌人势力强大,他们策划了他的下台。
Although many people opposed his plan, he engineered it through to final approval.虽然许多人反对他的计划,他仍能设法使它最后获得通过。
◇ 用于be ～ed 结构
This new jet engine is superbly engineered.这个新喷气式发动机的设计实属上乘。

［同义词］ n. architect, contriver, designer, deviser, inventor, planner v. cause, concoct, contrive, control, create, devise, effect, machinate

engineer的基本意思是“工程师”,指能够独立完成某一专门技术任务的设计、施工工作的专门人员。也可指“机械师”“技师”或船上的“轮机手”,在美式英语中还指“(火车)司机”等,是可数名词。

The engineers projected a new machine.工程师们设计一台新机器。
The engineer pronounced the machine to be out of order.工程师说这台机器坏了。
The engineer proposed to build a dam on the upper reach of the river.那位工程师建议在河流的上游修建一座水坝。
Did the engineer estimate for building of the bridge?那位工程师估计建桥的费用了吗?
European scientists, engineers, and technicians are flowing into the United States.欧洲的科学家、工程师以及技术人员正在流入美国。
The engineers used special methods to insure the bridge against damage from high winds.工程师们采用了特殊方法以防狂风损坏大桥。
The engineers conceived a new type of vehicle for mountainous regions.工程师为山区设计了一种新型的车辆。
Several engineers went to the workshop to examine a model.有几位工程师曾到车间去检查模型。
I aim to be a radio engineer.我有志成为一名无线电工程师。
He determined that he would become an engineer.他决心要当一名工程师。
The dam was designed by some young engineers. 大坝是几位青年工程师设计的。
The army engineers penetrated into the interior.工兵深入到内地。
The army engineers paraded round drill squares.工兵绕训练场列队行进。
The problem was gone carefully into by the engineers.机械师们认真地研究了这个问题。
We have asked the chief engineer to pronounce on the effect of widening the bridge.我们已要求总工程师对加宽桥梁的效果发表自己的看法。