verb
absorb
ub-ZORB/əbˈzɔːrb/
To take something into itself and hold or incorporate it.
The sponge absorbs the blue-tinted water.
Etymology
The pieces combine “away” with “suck in,” forming an image of swallowing something up. This extends from drinking in liquid to taking in information or completely occupying someone's attention.
In context
to absorb the shock of our body weight
More examples
- The city absorbed several neighboring villages.
- She needs time to absorb the new information.
- The company will absorb the extra cost.
- The puzzle absorbed her attention for an hour.
Forms
absorb · absorbs · absorbed · absorbing
absorption noun — the process of taking something in
Similar words
- soak up
- An everyday phrase for taking liquid into material.
- adsorb
- Collects on a surface rather than entering the bulk.