absorb

/əbˈsoɚb/

• Verb
• to take in (something, such as a liquid) in a natural or gradual way
1. A sponge absorbs water.
2. Plant roots absorb moisture.
3. a fabric that absorbs sweat
4. Water is absorbed by plants through their roots.
5. nutrients that are absorbed into the body
• to draw in (heat, light, energy, etc.)
1. The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.
2. absorbing heat from the sun
• to learn (something)
1. She is good at absorbing information/knowledge.
2. He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man.

• to take in and make (something) part of a larger group, country, etc.
1. a country that has absorbed many immigrants
2. smaller countries invaded and absorbed by/into bigger ones
• to take up the whole interest or attention of (someone)
1. His interest in photography absorbs him completely.
2. I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.
3. She was (completely) absorbed in [=lost in] thought.
4. He quickly found himself absorbed in [=engrossed by] the movie.
• to prevent (something harmful or unwanted) from passing through
1. The frame of the car absorbed the impact.
• to accept or deal with (something that is difficult, harmful, etc.)
1. The company has had to absorb many setbacks in the past year.
2. The expenses were absorbed [=borne] by his family.
• to use up (something)
1. His work absorbs almost all of his time.