1. (

• absorb ,

) become imbued; "The liquids, light, and gases absorb" ;

2. (

• absorb ,
• assimilate ,
• ingest ,
• take_in

) take up mentally; "he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe" ;

3. (

• absorb ,
• take_over

) take up, as of debts or payments; "absorb the costs for something" ;

4. (

• absorb ,
• suck ,
• imbibe ,
• soak_up ,
• sop_up ,
• suck_up ,
• draw ,
• take_in ,
• take_up ,

) take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words" ;

5. (

• absorb

) cause to become one with; "The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax" ;

6. (

• absorb ,
• take_in

) suck or take up or in; "A black star absorbs all matter" ;

7. (

• steep ,
• immerse ,
• engulf ,
• plunge ,
• engross ,
• absorb ,
• soak_up

) devote (oneself) fully to; "He immersed himself into his studies" ;

8. (

• absorb ,

) assimilate or take in; "The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society" ;

9. (

• absorb ,
• engross ,
• engage ,
• occupy

) consume all of one's attention or time; "Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely" ;