Definition of "absorb" in English

verb

1. (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.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To engulf, as in water; to swallow up.

3. (transitive) To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe, like a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in.

4. (intransitive) To be absorbed, or sucked in; to sink in.

   • The drops of water slowly absorbed into the dry sponge.

5. (transitive, physics, chemistry) To take in energy and convert it.

   • Heat, light, and electricity are absorbed in the substances into which they pass.

6. (transitive) To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully.

7. (transitive) To occupy or consume time.

8. (transitive) To assimilate mentally.

   • If we fail to absorb the lessons of history, we are doomed to repeat them.

9. (transitive, business) To assume or pay for as part of a commercial transaction.

10. (transitive) To defray the costs.

    • I’ll absorb the charge for the window replacement.

11. (transitive) To accept or purchase in quantity.