absorb

verb

absorbed; absorbing; absorbs

transitive verb

1
a
: 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
4
a(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.
absorbability noun
absorbable 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 Spreading manure atop it increases the chance the material will not fully absorb into the soil. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Therefore, people who have difficulty digesting lactose can still absorb calcium from dairy products. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Developed to absorb and block sound, the MITTZON acoustic screens, filled with 90% wood fibers, also allow for privacy by limiting distractions. Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2024 When snow and ice cover decrease, the heat absorbed from the sun by the ocean increases. Simrin Singh, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 In general, a good rule of thumb when purchasing a set that will last, look good, and keep furniture safe, is to keep an eye out for heavy-duty coasters that’ll absorb moisture. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2024 What was not clear was how many of Silicon Valley’s tech elite had absorbed the finer points of the source material. Mike Isaac, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 The storm has its origins in the Gulf of Alaska and its low-pressure system has absorbed cold, arctic air. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 The key is to find a formula that's lightweight, absorbs quickly and plays nicely with the rest of your skincare and makeup. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absorb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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 *sṛbh-eii̯̯e-, probably re-formed from *srobh-eii̯̯e-, iterative derivative from the verb base *srebh- "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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorb was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near absorb

Cite this Entry

“Absorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorb. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

absorb

verb
1
: to take in or suck or swallow up
a sponge absorbs water
plant roots absorb water
2
: to hold the interest of : engross
absorbed in thought
3
a
: to receive without giving back
a sound-absorbing surface
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature
the earth absorbs the sun's rays
absorbability noun
absorbable adjective
absorber noun

Medical Definition

absorb

transitive verb
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
absorbable adjective
absorber noun

Legal Definition

absorb

transitive verb
ab·​sorb
1
: to make (a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution) applicable to the states
2
a
: 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 incomeD. Q. Posin

More from Merriam-Webster on absorb

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