1440 starts off to totally absorb (7)
I believe the answer is:
engross
'totally absorb' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for engross that I've seen before include "Rivet" , "Occupy attention fully, absorb" , "Completely absorb" , "Absorb the attention of (someone)" , "Absorb, captivate" .)