absorb

ab-sorb · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To take in or soak up (liquid, energy, or another substance).

  2. 2.

    To take in and understand fully (information or ideas).

  3. 3.

    To occupy the full attention of; to engross.

  4. 4.

    To take over or incorporate (a smaller entity).

  5. 5.

    To reduce the effect or intensity of (sound, impact, etc.).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    absorb the cost — To accept financial responsibility.
  • •
    absorb information — To learn and retain knowledge.

Related words

Antonyms: emit, reflect, release, repel
See also: absorbed, absorbent, absorption
Synonyms: assimilate, engross, soak up, take in

Etymology

From Latin absorbēre ("to swallow up"), from ab- ("from, away") + sorbēre ("to suck in").