absorb

(əb-sôrbˈ, -zôrbˈ)

1. To take (something) in through or as through pores or interstices.
2. To occupy the full attention, interest, or time of; engross. See Synonyms at monopolize.
3. To retain (radiation or sound, for example) wholly, without reflection or transmission.
4. To take in; assimilate: immigrants who were absorbed into the social mainstream.
5. To learn; acquire: “Matisse absorbed the lesson and added to it a new language of color” (Peter Plagen).
6. To receive (an impulse) without echo or recoil: a fabric that absorbs sound; a bumper that absorbs impact.
7. To assume or pay for (a cost or costs).
8. To endure; accommodate: couldn't absorb the additional hardships.
9. To use up; consume: The project has absorbed all of our department's resources.

Related Forms:

• ab·sorbˌa·bilˈi·ty noun

• ab·sorbˈa·ble adjective

• ab·sorbˈed·ly adverb

• ab·sorbˈer noun

• ab·sorbˈing·ly adverb