Meaning of absorb In English

• 0 to take something in, especially gradually:

  • Plants absorb carbon dioxide.

  • In cold climates, houses need to have walls that will absorb heat.

  • Towels absorb moisture.

  • The drug is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

  • Our countryside is increasingly being absorbed by/into the large cities.

  • The barrier absorbed the main impact of the crash.

• 1 to understand facts or ideas completely and remember them:

  • It's hard to absorb so much information.

• 2 to take up someone's attention completely:

  • The project has absorbed her for several years.

• 3 if a business absorbs the cost of something, it pays that cost easily:

  • The school has absorbed most of the expenses so far, but it may have to offer fewer places next year to reduce costs.

• 4 if one company absorbs another company, it takes control of it and they become one company:

  • Telecorp Holdings absorbed its Spanish subsidiary into its British headquarters.

• 5 to take in a liquid, gas, or chemical:

  • The black clay soil around here doesn’t absorb water very well.

  • fig. The country has absorbed millions of immigrants over the years.

• 6 to completely take the attention of someone:

  • She was absorbed in listening to music.

  • It was difficult to absorb so much information.

• 7 if an organization absorbs the cost of something, it pays that cost:

  • The law school has absorbed most of the expenses so far, but it may have to offer fewer places next year to reduce costs.

• 8 if one company absorbs another company in a takeover, they become one company:

  • Telecorp Holdings absorbed its Spanish subsidiary, Digital Corporation, into its British headquarters.