26984 words

absorb

11 definitions • 17 examples
1
to take something in, especially gradually:

Examples:

be absorbed into Our countryside is increasingly being absorbed into large cities.
The drug is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
In cold climates, houses need to have walls that will absorb heat.
Towels absorb moisture.
Vitamin D gets synthesized when the sun's ray get absorbed by the skin.
2
to reduce the effect of a physical force, shock, or change:

Examples:

The barrier absorbed the main impact of the crash.
3
to understand facts or ideas completely and remember them:

Examples:

It's hard to absorb so much information.
4
to take up someone's attention completely:

Examples:

The project has absorbed her for several years.
5
if a business absorbs the cost of something, it pays that cost easily:

Examples:

The school has absorbed most of the expenses so far, but it may have to offer fewer places next year to reduce costs.
6
if one company absorbs another company, it takes control of it and they become one company:
7
to take in a liquid, gas, or chemical:

Examples:

The black clay soil around here doesn’t absorb water very well.
fig. The country has absorbed millions of immigrants over the years.
8
to completely take the attention of someone:

Examples:

She was absorbed in listening to music.
9
To absorb knowledge, ideas, or information is to understand them completely and store them in your memory:

Examples:

It was difficult to absorb so much information.
10
if an organization absorbs the cost of something, it pays that cost:

Examples:

The law school has absorbed most of the expenses so far, but it may have to offer fewer places next year to reduce costs.

Navigation