transitive verb

1. to choose and bring into a certain relationship; specif., to take into one's own family by legal process and raise as one's own child
2. to take up and use (an idea, a practice, etc.) as one's own
3. to choose and follow (a course)
4. to vote to accept (a committee report, motion, etc.)
5. to select as a required textbook

Etymology: L adoptare < ad-, to + optare, to choose