Definition Definition

absorb - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'absorb' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Absorb [ v. t.]
- To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include.
- To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body.
- To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.
- To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any molecular action, as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light, and electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances into which they pass.

Meaning of 'absorb' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . absorb [ v]
Meaning (1):
- suck or take up or in
Example in sentence:
  • A black star absorbs all matter
Meaning (2):
- take up, as of debts or payments
Example in sentence:
  • absorb the costs for something
Meaning (3):
- take up mentally
Example in sentence:
  • he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe
Meaning (4):
- devote (oneself) fully to
Example in sentence:
  • He immersed himself into his studies
Meaning (5):
- consume all of one's attention or time
Example in sentence:
  • Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
Meaning (6):
- take in, also metaphorically
Example in sentence:
  • She drew strength from the minister's words;
  • The sponge absorbs water well
Meaning (7):
- assimilate or take in
Example in sentence:
  • The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
Meaning (8):
- become imbued
Example in sentence:
  • The liquids, light, and gases absorb
Meaning (9):
- cause to become one with
Example in sentence:
  • The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax