absorb definition

1. become imbued
• examples: The liquids, light, and gases absorb
2. take up mentally
• examples: he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe
3. take up, as of debts or payments
• examples: absorb the costs for something
4. take in, also metaphorically
• examples: The sponge absorbs water well
• examples: She drew strength from the minister's words
5. cause to become one with
• examples: The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax
6. suck or take up or in
• examples: A black star absorbs all matter
7. assimilate or take in
• examples: The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
8. consume all of one's attention or time
• examples: Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely