Absorb
To take in or soak up something (such as liquid, information, or attention); to engross or occupy someone.
verbAbsorb
To take in or soak up something (such as liquid, information, or attention); to engross or occupy someone.
verbImagine This
Imagine a large sponge labeled ABSORB placed under a dripping faucet. The sponge slowly soaks up every droplet, leaving the counter dry.
Sounds Like
ab-SORB
Looks Like
absorbent, absorption
Remember This
The core idea is taking something in and keeping it—whether moisture, knowledge, or attention. Related forms extend the idea to a noun (absorption) and adjectives (absorptive, absorbed, absorbing).
Other Forms
Connect With
soak up, soak in, assimilate, engross, capture attention
Note
Use absorb with a direct object: absorb moisture, absorb information, absorb stress. In figurative use, it can mean to engross or capture one’s full attention (The lecture absorbed the audience). Distinguish from related but different verbs like 'assimilate' (adopt mentally) or 'emit' (to give off).