Absorb space - vulgar (7)
I believe the answer is:
engross
'absorb' is the definition.
(I know that absorb can be written as engross)
'space vulgar' is the wordplay.
'space' becomes 'en' (in printing, a space as wide as a letter 'n').
'vulgar' becomes 'gross' (I've seen this in another clue).
'en'+'gross'='ENGROSS'
(Other definitions for engross that I've seen before include "Occupy attention fully, absorb" , "Rivet" , "Completely absorb" , "grab attention" , "Absorb, captivate" .)