v. t. | 1. | To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include. |
2. | To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body. | |
3. | To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; | |
4. | 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. |
Verb | 1. | absorb - become imbued; "The liquids, light, and gases absorb" |
2. | absorb - take up mentally; "he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe" | |
3. | absorb - take up, as of debts or payments; "absorb the costs for something" Synonyms: take over | |
4. | absorb - take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words" | |
5. | absorb - cause to become one with; "The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax" | |
6. | absorb - suck or take up or in; "A black star absorbs all matter" Synonyms: take in | |
7. | absorb - engross (oneself) fully; "He immersed himself into his studies" | |
8. | absorb - assimilate or take in; "The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society" | |
9. | absorb - engage or engross wholly; "Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely" |