absorb

/əb'sɔ:b/

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Explanation of "Absorb"

The word "absorb" is a verb that means to take in or soak up something completely, whether it’s a physical substance like water or a more abstract concept like knowledge or attention.

Summary

"Absorb" is a versatile word that can be used in different contexts to describe taking in liquids, knowledge, or being fully engaged in an activity.

Academic

Verb

1. consume all of one's attention or time
   • Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
2. assimilate or take in
   • The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
3. devote (oneself) fully to
   • He immersed himself into his studies
4. suck or take up or in
   • A black star absorbs all matter
5. cause to become one with
   • The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax
6. take in, also metaphorically
   • The sponge absorbs water well
   • She drew strength from the minister's words
7. take up, as of debts or payments
   • absorb the costs for something
8. take up mentally
   • he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe
9. become imbued
   • The liquids, light, and gases absorb

Synonyms

• engross
• engage
• occupy
• steep
• immerse
• engulf
• plunge
• soak up
• take in
• suck
• imbibe
• sop up
• suck up
• draw
• take up
• take over
• assimilate
• ingest