Meaning & Definition of Adopt in English

1. Choose and follow

• As of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

• "She followed the feminist movement"

• "The candidate espouses republican ideals"

2. Take up and practice as one's own

3. Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities

• "When will the new president assume office?"

4. Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect

• "His voice took on a sad tone"

• "The story took a new turn"

• "He adopted an air of superiority"

• "She assumed strange manners"

• "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"

5. Take into one's family

• "They adopted two children from nicaragua"

6. Put into dramatic form

• "Adopt a book for a screenplay"

7. Take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own

• "She embraced catholicism"

• "They adopted the jewish faith"