English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word absorb in English

What does absorb mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

absorb

US /əbˈsɔːrb/
UK /əbˈsɔːrb/
"absorb" picture

Verb

1.

take in or soak up (energy, or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action.

Example:
•
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air.
•
The sponge will absorb the spilled water.
Synonym:
soak uptake insuck updraw inblot up
2.

take in and understand fully (information, ideas, or experience).

Example:
•
It's a lot of information to absorb in one day.
•
He quickly absorbed the new concepts.
Synonym:
understandgraspcomprehendassimilatetake in
3.

take up and reduce the effect of (sound or an impact).

Example:
•
The foam padding helps to absorb shock.
•
Sound-absorbing panels were installed in the studio.
Synonym:
cushiondampenmuffledeadensoften
4.

take over (a smaller or weaker entity) into a larger one.

Example:
•
The larger company plans to absorb its smaller competitor.
•
The new department will absorb the functions of the old one.
Synonym:
incorporateintegratemergeassimilatetake over
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Related Word:
absorbed