absorb

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to cause to become one with

   The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax.

2. 2
   verb

   to consume all of one's attention or time

   My interest in feline photography absorbs me completely.

3. 3
   verb

   to devote oneself fully to

   We were absorbed by the new video game.

4. 4
   verb

   to take up mentally

   They absorbed the knowledge and beliefs of their elders.

5. 5
   verb

   to assimilate or take in

   The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society.

6. 6
   verb

   to take in, also metaphorically

   The sponge absorbs water well.

7. 7
   verb

   to become imbued

   Those paper towels absorb a lot of water.

8. 8
   verb

   to take up, as of debts or payments

   Thankfully, we were able to absorb the cost of the unexpected car repairs.

Etymology

From Middle French absorber, from Old French assorbir, from Latin absorbeō (“swallow up”), from ab- (“from”) + sorbeō (“suck in, swallow”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *srebʰ- (“to sip”). Compare French absorber.