absorb

verb
ab·​sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯrb How to pronounce absorb (audio) , -ˈzȯrb How to pronounce absorb (audio) \
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.

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Other Words from absorb

absorbability \ əb-​ˌsȯr-​bə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce absorbability (audio) , -​ˌzȯr-​ \ noun
absorbable \ əb-​ˈsȯr-​bə-​bəl How to pronounce absorbable (audio) , -​ˈzȯr-​ \ adjective
absorber noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Kelley said Wednesday there are estimates for the cost the city might have to absorb to pay the lawyers, but nothing is firm yet. Robert Higgs, cleveland.com, "Cleveland looks to provide legal representation for impoverished families facing eviction," 21 Aug. 2019 Businesses will either have to absorb the increased cost or pass the increase onto their customers. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Can’t agree with Ayd Mill plan," 21 Aug. 2019 Another is tough but stretchy to absorb the impact of flying insects. Washington Post, "Scientists look to unweave the mystery of spider silks," 19 Aug. 2019 Those jittery customers have since come back, while Riverdale continues to absorb the higher cost of raw materials. Shirley Leung, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump trade war is ‘nerve-racking’ for Massachusetts manufacturers," 19 Aug. 2019 The Reality: Nick Saban has seven new on-field assistants this season, again being forced to absorb a mass exodus in his coaching staff as well as the 10 players who were selected in the NFL draft. Scooby Axson, SI.com, "Preseason Power Rankings: The Hype vs. the Reality for 2019's Top Teams," 19 Aug. 2019 But the Hawks, hit hard by graduation, will have to absorb season-ending injuries to junior defensive end Cooper Brown (at summer camp) and junior linebacker Cannon Booker (during Wednesday's scrimmage). Richard Obert, azcentral, "Breaking down 3-way scrimmage among Highland, Centennial, Chandler," 15 Aug. 2019 In the Nelson area, take in the color by hiking to Pulpit Rock or riding the Great Northern Rail Trail—two local classics—or go a little farther afield to absorb the old-growth cedar forest beneath Kokanee Glacier. Outside Online, "The Best Places to Savor Fall in British Columbia," 14 Aug. 2019 Another is tough but stretchy to absorb the impact of flying insects. NBC News, "Spider silk 'library' could hold secrets for new materials," 14 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of absorb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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 *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

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More Definitions for absorb

absorb

verb
ab·​sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯrb How to pronounce absorb (audio) , -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.
ab·​sorb | \ əb-ˈsȯ(ə)rb How to pronounce absorb (audio) , -ˈzȯ(ə)rb How to pronounce absorb (audio) \

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