absorb

ab|sorb [ əb`sɔrb, əb`zɔrb ] verb transitive **

▸ 1 take in gas/heat etc.

▸ 2 make something part of something else

▸ 3 learn new information

▸ 4 reduce harmful effects

▸ 5 hold attention

▸ 6 use a lot of something

1. ) to take in a gas, liquid, or other substance:

The timber expands as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.

absorb something into something: Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

a ) often passive to take in heat, light, or some other form of energy, instead of reflecting it:

The planes are equipped with a device that absorbs enemy radar signals.

2. ) often passive to make a small group, organization, etc. become part of a larger one:

Most of the refugees were absorbed by the growing service sector.

absorb something into something: Rebel militias were simply absorbed into the national army.

a ) to allow ideas, methods, etc. to become part of your own way of thinking or culture:

Over the centuries, they gradually absorbed Islamic ideas about design and architecture.

3. ) to learn and understand new facts, so that they become part of your knowledge: ASSIMILATE:

We had to absorb a lot of new information very quickly.

4. ) to reduce the harmful effects of a physical force:

Jump with your knees bent, so they absorb less impact.

a ) to deal with the harmful effects of a change, so that problems are avoided:

Oil companies say they will absorb these price rises, and not pass them on to customers.

5. ) if something absorbs you, it is so interesting or entertaining that it takes all your attention:

a game that had absorbed the children all afternoon

6. ) to use or need a lot of something, especially money:

My work absorbs too much of my time and energy.