absorb

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /əbˈzɔːb/ or /əbˈsɔːb/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /æbˈzɔːrb/ or /æbˈsɔːrb/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form absorb

Third-person singular absorbs

Past tense absorbed

Past participle absorbed

Present participle absorbing

1. (transitive) If something is absorbed, it is sucked or soaked up (usually a liquid).
   • Synonyms: draw, imbibe and suck

   The sponge absorbed the spilled water.

2. (transitive) If you absorb something, you take it in and use it; you learn it.
   • Synonyms: learn and acquire

   The teacher was good, I absorbed everything that she said.

   Your brain is able to absorb lots of information.

3. (transitive) If something absorbs your time, it takes all it up; it occupies all of your time.
   • Synonym: use up

   The job absorbs all of my time during the busy season.

Related words

• absorption