Absorb

/əbˈzɔːrb/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To take in or soak up (energy, liquid, or other substance) through a surface.
The sponge can absorb a lot of water.
To understand or assimilate information or ideas.
She was able to absorb the complex theories quickly.
To take in or receive and incorporate (something) into a broader context.
The company plans to absorb the smaller entity into its operations.
To diminish the force, impact, or intensity of something.
The thick curtains helped to absorb the sound from outside.

Etymology

From Latin 'absorbere', meaning 'to suck in, swallow up'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

absorb information
To take in and understand information.
absorb shock
To lessen the impact of force.
absorb costs
To accept financial expenses without passing them on.

Related Words

absorption
The process of absorbing something.
absorptive
Having the ability to absorb.

Slang Meanings

To be totally involved or mesmerized.
I was so absorbed in the game, I lost track of time.
To take in heavy or intense emotional content.
That movie really absorbed me; I cried through half of it.