ab·sorb ( b-sôrb , -zôrb)tr.v. ab·sorbed, ab·sorb·ing, ab·sorbs 1. To take (something) in through or as through pores or interstices. 2. To occupy the full attention, interest, or time of; engross. See Synonyms at monopolize. 3. To retain (radiation or sound, for example) wholly, without reflection or transmission. 4. To take in; assimilate: immigrants who were absorbed into the social mainstream. 5. To learn; acquire: "Matisse absorbed the lesson and added to it a new language of color" (Peter Plagen). 6. To receive (an impulse) without echo or recoil: a fabric that absorbs sound; a bumper that absorbs impact. 7. To assume or pay for (a cost or costs). 8. To endure; accommodate: couldn't absorb the additional hardships. 9. To use up; consume: The project has absorbed all of our department's resources. [Middle English, to swallow up, from Old French absorber, from Latin absorb  re : ab-, away; see ab-1 + sorbre, to suck.]ab·sorb  a·bili·ty n.ab·sorb a·ble adj.ab·sorb ed·ly adv.ab·sorb er n.ab·sorb ing·ly adv. |
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