Absorb

Definition

Absorb is a verb meaning to take in or soak up (a substance, energy, or information) by physical or chemical action; it can also mean to engross the attention or interest of someone completely.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /əbˈzɔːrb/
• Respelling: uhb-ZORB

British English

• IPA: /əbˈzɔːb/
• Respelling: uhb-ZORB

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin absorbere ‘to suck in, swallow up,’ from ad- ‘to’ + absorbere ‘to suck in.’

Derivatives

• absorption (noun)
• absorptive (adjective)
• absorbed (adjective; verb past)
• absorbing (adjective; verb gerund)

Synonyms

• soak up
• imbibe
• ingest
• assimilate
• engross

Antonyms

• release
• emit
• exude
• discharge
• ignore

Usage

The verb "absorb" is used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts to describe taking in substances or information. For example, "Plants absorb sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis," or "She was so absorbed in the novel that she missed her stop."

Related Terms

• Adsorb: To collect molecules on a surface.
• Assimilate: To take in and incorporate as one’s own.
• Diffuse: To spread or scatter widely.
• Permeate: To pass into or through every part of.
• Engross: To occupy completely the mind or attention.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To take in (liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action – to soak up or draw in through pores or absorption mechanisms.
  • Example: "The sponge absorbed all the spilled water."
• To take in and incorporate (heat, light, sound, etc.) – to reduce or remove energy from a system.
  • Example: "Black asphalt absorbs heat from the sun."
• To take up and make part of oneself (information, ideas, culture) – to learn or assimilate knowledge.
  • Example: "Students must absorb a large volume of material during orientation."
• To engross or occupy fully (attention, interest) – to engage one’s full focus.
  • Example: "He was completely absorbed in his painting and didn’t notice the time."