v.

1. become imbued
   
   • The liquids, light, and gases absorb
2. take up mentally;
   assimilate, ingest, take in
   
   • he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe
3. take up, as of debts or payments;
   take over
   
   • absorb the costs for something
4. take in, also metaphorically;
   suck, imbibe, soak up, sop up, suck up, draw, take in, take up
   
   • The sponge absorbs water well
   • She drew strength from the minister's words
5. cause to become one with
   
   • The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax
6. suck or take up or in;
   take in
   
   • A black star absorbs all matter
7. engross (oneself) fully;
   steep, immerse, engulf, plunge, engross, soak up
   
   • He immersed himself into his studies
8. assimilate or take in
   
   • The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society
9. engage or engross wholly;
   engross, engage, occupy
   
   • Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely