Laxi Dictionary

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Definition absorb in British English

absorb verb

[transitive] verb
/əbˈzɔː(r)b/
1

to take in a gas, liquid, or other substance

Example

The timber expands as it absorbs moisture.

Example

Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Synonyms and related words
absorb conduct decompress digest assimilate go down
1.1

to take in heat, light, or some other form of energy, instead of reflecting it

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
absorb conduct decompress
2

to make a small group, organization etc become part of a larger one

Example

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

Example

Since the end of the war, France had endeavoured to absorb the Saar region into their country.

Example

After the war, the whole region was absorbed into the Roman Empire.

Synonyms and related words
absorb absorption accept
3

to allow ideas, methods etc to become part of your own way of thinking or culture

Example

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

Example

His music has absorbed influences from all over the world.

Synonyms and related words
absorb absorption accept
4

to learn and understand new facts, so that they become part of your knowledge

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
learn train master
5

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

Example

a game that had absorbed the children all afternoon

Synonyms and related words
inspire attract interest
Example

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

Synonyms and related words
absorb conduct decompress
6.1

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

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
cope overcome carry off
7

to use or need a lot of something, especially money

Example

Agricultural subsidies absorb about half the EU's income.

Synonyms and related words
use up run out eat into
Definition absorb in British English