absorb

[[t]əbzɔ͟ː(r)b[/t]]

absorbs, absorbing, absorbed

1) VERB If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.

[V n] Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil...

[be V-ed into n] Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly.

Syn:

soak up

2) VERB If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.

[V n] A household radiator absorbs energy in the form of electric current and releases it in the form of heat.

3) VERB If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.

[be V-ed into n] The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office.

[V n] ...an economy capable of absorbing and supporting thousands of immigrants.

4) VERB If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.

[V n] ...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground.

5) VERB If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.

[V n] The banks would be forced to absorb large losses...

[V n] We can't absorb those costs.

Syn:

cope with

6) VERB If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.

[V n] It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment...

[V n] It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money.

Syn:

eat up

7) VERB If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.

[V n] Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual...

[V n] We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news.

Syn:

digest, take in

8) VERB If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

→ See also , absorbing

[V n] ...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had.

Syn:

grip