absorb

verb

Save Word

ab·sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯrb

, -ˈzȯrb

absorbed; absorbing; absorbs

Definition of absorb

transitive verb

1a : to take in (something, such as water) in a natural or gradual way a sponge absorbs water charcoal absorbs gas plant roots absorb water

b : to take in (knowledge, attitudes, etc.) : acquire, learn … convictions absorbed in youth …— M. R. Cohen

c : use up, consume The fever absorbed her strength. His work absorbs all his time and attention.

2 : to take in and make part of an existent whole the capacity of a country to absorb new immigrants

3 : to engage or engross wholly an interest that absorbs her completely absorbed in thought

4a(1) : to receive without recoil or echo provided with a sound-absorbing surface

(2) : endure, sustain absorbing hardships

(3) : assume, bear The expenses were absorbed by the company.

b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature The earth absorbs the sun's rays.

Other Words from absorb Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about absorb

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from absorb

absorbability \ əb-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē

, -ˌzȯr- \ noun

absorbable \ əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl

, -ˈzȯr-

\ adjective

Examples of absorb in a Sentence

a fabric that absorbs sweat The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound. absorbing heat from the sun She is good at absorbing information. He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man. a country that has absorbed many immigrants smaller countries invaded and absorbed by bigger ones His interest in photography absorbs him completely. I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.

Recent Examples on the Web Houston Astros: Should be able to absorb the loss of George Springer. — Star Tribune, 30 Mar. 2021 Impervious surface is defined as not being able to absorb rainwater effectively, such as roads or rooftops, village officials explained. — James T. Norman, chicagotribune.com, 26 Mar. 2021 Perhaps the chains, and especially the crucifix, became totems, able to neutrally absorb both hatred and desire. — Justin Torres, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2021 Having a culture that is able to quickly absorb shock and then pivot is necessary to survive and also thrive. — Karl Moore, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Rail exports and other existing pipelines won't be able to absorb the production quickly enough, Rorick said. — Josh Siegel, Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2021 The bottom of the foot becomes less flexible, less able to absorb shock with every step. — Outdoor Life, 25 Jan. 2021 Northside ISD has lost 4,663 students since last school year — a decline of about 4 percent — but administrators expect that the district will be able to absorb any funding losses, Barajas said. — Andres Picon, ExpressNews.com, 25 Jan. 2021 While most water agencies report increasing delinquency, the majority of suppliers expect to be able to absorb the financial hit, including the Bay Area’s biggest providers. — Kurtis Alexander, SFChronicle.com, 19 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'absorb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for absorb

borrowed from Middle French assorber, absorber, asorbir, absorbir, going back to Old French, borrowed (with conjugation changes) from Latin absorbēre, from ab- ab- + sorbēre "to suck up, draw in, engulf," going back to Indo-European *sṛb^h-eii̯̯e-, probably re-formed from *srob^h-eii̯̯e-, iterative derivative from the verb base *sreb^h- "suck up, drink noisily"; akin to Greek rophéō, ropheîn "to drink in gulps," Armenian arbi "drank," Lithuanian srebiù, srė̃bti "to gulp," Old Russian sereblyu, serebati

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about absorb

Dictionary Entries near absorb

Statistics for absorb

Last Updated

7 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Absorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorb. Accessed 12 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for absorb

absorb

verb

ab·sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯrb

, -ˈzȯrb \

absorbed; absorbing

Kids Definition of absorb

1 : to take in or swallow up A sponge absorbs water.

2 : to hold the complete attention of She was absorbed by the movie.

3 : to receive without giving back The walls of the theater absorb sound.

absorb

transitive verb

ab·sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯ(ə)rb

, -ˈzȯ(ə)rb

Medical Definition of absorb

1 : to take up especially by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or chemical action surgical sutures which can be absorbed by the body the blood in the lungs absorbs oxygen

2 : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature chlorophyll reflects green light and absorbs the other colors of light

Other Words from absorb

absorbable \ əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl

, -ˈzȯr-

\ adjective

absorber noun

absorb

transitive verb

ab·sorb