26984 words

adopt

12 definitions • 20 examples
1
to legally take another person's child into your own family and take care of him or her as your own child:

Examples:

They've adopted a baby girl.
She had the child adopted (= she gave her baby to someone else to take care of).
They have no children of their own, but they're hoping to adopt.
2
to take an animal that has been left in a place such as a rescue centre, and keep it as your pet:

Examples:

Only about 20 percent of all dogs and cats that come into the rescue centre will be adopted.
She lives in a 3-bedroomed home with five dogs she adopted from an animal shelter.
3
to accept or start to use something new:

Examples:

I think it's time to adopt a different strategy in my dealings with him.
The new tax would force companies to adopt energy-saving measures.
He's adopted a remarkably light-hearted attitude towards the situation.
4
to choose someone or something or take something as your own:

Examples:

Dr Kennedy has been adopted as the party's candidate for South Cambridge.
5
to start behaving in a particular way, especially by choice:

Examples:

Roz has adopted one or two funny mannerisms since she's been away.
6
to pay money in order to have your name connected with a particular thing, especially in order to help an organization raise money:

Examples:

For just $25, you can adopt a word for an entire year.
7
to agree to be responsible for a road being maintained (= kept in good condition):

Examples:

The council said the road was never adopted and so it is not obliged to repair it.
8
to take another person’s child legally into your own family to raise as your own child:

Examples:

[ T ] They adopted Raphael last September.
9
to accept or begin to use something:

Examples:

The new law means companies will adopt energy-saving measures.
10
If an organization adopts a rule, it votes to accept it:

Examples:

The motion to increase fees was adopted.
11
to start to use a new method, system, law, etc.:

Examples:

Many European businesses are now adopting a management style closer to that of the US.
adopt an approach/strategy/policy According to the inspector-general's report, the airline industry needs to adopt a more consistent approach.
adopt a measure/system/plan Companies involved in public takeovers should adopt more stringent measures to investigate information leaks.
12
to start to use a new product or service:

Examples:

Large firms lead small firms in terms of adopting e-commerce.

Navigation