Adopt

/əˈdɒpt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To take up and follow or use (an idea, method, or course of action).

The committee decided to adopt a new policy for employee conduct.

To legally take another's child and bring it up as one's own.

They planned to adopt a child from the local orphanage.

To accept formally or officially.

The organization will adopt the new guidelines at the next meeting.

To choose and make one's own.

She decided to adopt a more positive attitude towards life.

To take on a new form or character.

The company will adopt a more innovative approach to marketing.

Middle English, from Latin 'adoptare', from 'ad-' + 'optare' (to choose)

adopt a policy

To formally accept and implement a specific guideline or rule.

adopt an approach

To take a particular method or way of dealing with a situation.

adopt a child

To legally take another person's child into one's family.

adoptee

A person who has been adopted.

adopter

A person who adopts.

foster

To care for a child whose parents are unable to provide for them.

Adopting a new style or attitude.

She's really adopted that punk style lately.

To pick up or start using something new, like a trend.

He adopted the vegan lifestyle last year.