absorb

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: adsorb

Antonyms: adsorb

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Verb

1. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[include]] so that it no longer has [[separate]] existence; to [[overwhelm]]; to cause to [[disappear]] as if by [[swallowing]] up; to [[incorporate]]; to [[assimilate]]; to take in and [[use up]]. {{defdate|first attested c. 1350 to 1470.}}
2. {{lb|en|transitive|obsolete}} To engulf, as in water; to [[swallow up]]. {{defdate|Attested from the late 15th century until the late 18th century.}}
3. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[suck up]]; to [[drink in]]; to [[imbibe]], like a [[sponge]] or as the [[lacteals]] of the body; to chemically take in. {{defdate|first attested in the early 17th century.}}
4. {{lb|en|intransitive}} To be absorbed, or sucked in; to [[sink in]].
5. {{lb|en|transitive|physics|chemistry}} To take in energy and convert it. {{defdate|first attested in the early 18th century.}}
6. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[engross]] or [[engage]] wholly; to [[occupy]] fully. {{defdate|first attested in the late 18th century.}}
7. {{lb|en|transitive}} To occupy or consume time. {{defdate|first attested in the mid 19th century.}}
8. {{lb|en|transitive}} To assimilate mentally. {{defdate|first attested in the late 19th century.}}
9. {{lb|en|transitive|business}} To assume or pay for as part of a [[commercial]] [[transaction]].
10. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[defray]] the costs.
11. {{lb|en|transitive}} To accept or purchase in quantity.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.