absorb

verb

absorbed; absorbing; absorbs

transitive verb

1
a
: 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
4
a(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.
absorbability noun
absorbable adjective

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.
Recent Examples on the Web The color and material are meant to absorb heat, but some work better than others. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024 Of course, not all electrolyte supplements are created equal; avoid any that contain artificial sweeteners or flavorings, as well as low-quality minerals, which are harder for the body to absorb. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024 The soft lining is in place to absorb sweat and insoles offer extra support. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 They are expected to absorb a $32-million cap hit spread over the next two years, however. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Internally, there was a reorganization of the 200-person team and services previously done by third-party contractors such as custodial services have been absorbed by Burke’s team. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 The chenille material also provides excellent water absorbency, absorbing up to five times its weight. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Inflammation during and after an infection also directly affects the body’s ability to absorb iron or reuse iron from cells that store it. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2024 Most aristocratic men’s Grand Tours—voyages taken across Europe’s most sophisticated countries to absorb local culture—lasted just a few years. E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absorb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorb was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near absorb

Cite this Entry

“Absorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorb. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

absorb

verb
1
: to take in or suck or swallow up
a sponge absorbs water
plant roots absorb water
2
: to hold the interest of : engross
absorbed in thought
3
a
: to receive without giving back
a sound-absorbing surface
b
: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature
the earth absorbs the sun's rays
absorbability noun
absorbable adjective
absorber noun

Medical Definition

absorb

transitive verb
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
absorbable adjective
absorber noun

Legal Definition

absorb

transitive verb
ab·​sorb
1
: to make (a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution) applicable to the states
2
a
: to bear or assume the burden of
expenses were absorbed by the company
b
: to lessen the tax liability for
has other losses to absorb the incomeD. Q. Posin

More from Merriam-Webster on absorb

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