absorb
verb
-ˈzȯrb
\
Definition of absorb
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
b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature The earth absorbs the sun's rays.
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from absorb
-ˌzȯr-
\
noun
-ˈzȯr-
\
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms for absorb
Synonyms
burn, consume, deplete, devour, drain, draw down, exhaust, expend, play out, spend, use up
Antonyms
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of absorb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Well, a 2016 study on 2,000 women suggested that the association between ovarian cancer and talcum powder comes from talc — a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, that absorbs moisture — not asbestos. — refinery29.com, "Johnson & Johnson Owes $4.69 Billion In Another Ovarian Cancer Case," 13 July 2018 The sap contains a class of chemicals that absorb specific wavelengths of light. — Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, "Giant, Scary Invasive Flower Can Cause Third-Degree Burns," 7 July 2018 Default ingredients include soft potato wedges that absorb the sauce, as well as broccoli, celery, cauliflower, soybean sprouts, and bright red chiles with cilantro and sesame seeds. — Mike Sula, Chicago Reader, "All hail Hunanese dry hot pot at Sizzling Pot King," 5 July 2018 The remainder went to grow their capital reserves, which absorb losses in a crisis. — Liz Hoffman, WSJ, "5 Things to Watch for in the 2018 Bank Stress Tests," 27 June 2018 But payroll records obtained by the Globe indicate the overtime for the Emergency Response posts has endured, simply moving with Troop E members to a reconfigured Troop H, which absorbed policing of tunnels and the eastern portion of the turnpike. — Kay Lazar, BostonGlobe.com, "Records reveal trooper posts that are overtime all the time," 23 June 2018 Ditto if your metal pan is dark, which absorbs more heat. — Becky Krystal, Houston Chronicle, "This classic coffee cake is what good mornings are made of," 18 June 2018 In electricity, a sector that absorbs 40 percent of the world’s primary energy and produces more than a third of its emissions, the past 20 years have been running to stay still. — David Roberts, Vox, "The most depressing energy chart of the year," 16 June 2018 At our previous location, there were cubicle walls that absorbed some of the sound, but in our current space there is nowhere to hide. — Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Alcoholic friend should abstain from camping," 15 June 2018These 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for absorb
absorb
verb
-ˈzȯrb\
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
-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
-ˈzȯr-
\
adjective
absorb
transitive verbLegal Definition of absorb
1 : to make (a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution) applicable to the states
2a : to bear or assume the burden of expenses were absorbed by the company
b : to lessen the tax liability for has other losses to absorb the income— D. Q. Posin
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on absorb
What made you want to look up absorb? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Autumn Words of the Day 2018
-
- Which is a synonym of fugacious?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share absorb
Resources for absorb