absorb
ab·sorb
/əbˈsoɚb/ verb , -sorbs, -sorbed, -sorb·ing [ + obj ]
1 a : to take in (something, such as a liquid) in a natural or gradual way
A sponge absorbs water.
Plant roots absorb moisture.
a fabric that absorbs sweat
— often used as (be) absorbed
Water is absorbed by plants through their roots.
nutrients that are absorbed into the body
1 b : to draw in (heat, light, energy, etc.)
The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.
absorbing heat from the sun
2 a : to learn (something)
She is good at absorbing information/knowledge.
He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man.
2 b : to take in and make (something) part of a larger group, country, etc.
a country that has absorbed many immigrants
smaller countries invaded and absorbed by/into bigger ones
3 : to take up the whole interest or attention of (someone)
His interest in photography absorbs him completely.
I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.
◇ If you are absorbed in something, you are fully involved in it.
She was (completely) absorbed in [=lost in] thought.
He quickly found himself absorbed in [=engrossed by] the movie.
4 : to prevent (something harmful or unwanted) from passing through
The frame of the car absorbed the impact.
5 a : to accept or deal with (something that is difficult, harmful, etc.)
The company has had to absorb many setbacks in the past year.
The expenses were absorbed [=borne] by his family.
5 b : to use up (something)
His work absorbs almost all of his time.
ab·sorb·able /əbˈsoɚbəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
nutrients absorbable by the body
ab·sorb·er noun , pl -ers [ count ]
a moisture absorber
— see also shock absorber
absorbing adj [more ~; most ~]
The book includes an absorbing [=engrossing, fascinating] account of her childhood.
ab·sorp·tion /əbˈsoɚpʃən/ noun [ noncount ]
the absorption of water by a sponge
the absorption of nutrients by the body
heat/noise absorption
His absorption in his work was total. [=he was totally absorbed in his work; he gave all his attention to his work]
