imbibe

im·bibe

verb \im-ˈbīb\

im·bibedim·bib·ing

Definition of IMBIBE

transitive verb

1

archaic : soak, steep

2

a : to receive into the mind and retain <imbibe moral principles> b : to assimilate or take into solution

3

a : drink b : to take in or up <a sponge imbibes moisture>

intransitive verb

1

: drink 2

2

a : to take in liquid b : to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat

— im·bib·er noun

Examples of IMBIBE

1. She imbibed vast quantities of coffee.
2. She never imbibes but isn't offended when others do.

Origin of IMBIBE

Middle English enbiben to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin imbibere to drink in, absorb, from in- + bibere to drink — more at potable

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to IMBIBE

Synonyms: belt (down), gulp, guzzle, hoist, drink, knock back, pound (down), quaff, sip, slug (down), slurp, sup, swig, swill, toss (down or off)

Related Words: lap, lick, suck; consume, down, ingurgitate, kill, mouth (down), put away; nip, tipple; pledge, toast, wine

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with IMBIBE

ascribe, conscribe, describe, inscribe, prescribe, proscribe, subscribe, transcribe