(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If something ~s a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.
Plants ~ carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil...
Refined sugars are ~ed into the bloodstream very quickly.
= soak up
VERB: V n, be V-ed into n
2.
If something ~s light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.
A household radiator ~s energy in the form of electric current and releases it in the form of heat.
VERB: V n
3.
If a group is ~ed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.
The Colonial Office was ~ed into the Foreign Office.
...an economy capable of ~ing thousands of immigrants.
VERB: be V-ed into n, V n
4.
If something ~s a force or shock, it reduces its effect.
...footwear which does not ~ the impact of the foot striking the ground.
VERB: V n
5.
If a system or society ~s changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.
The banks would be forced to ~ large losses...
VERB: V n
6.
If something ~s something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.
It ~ed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment...
= consume
VERB: V n
7.
If you ~ information, you learn and understand it.
Too often he only ~s half the information in the manual...
= digest, assimilate
VERB: V n
8.
If something ~s you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.
...a second career which ~ed her more completely than her acting ever had.
VERB: V n
see also ~ed , ~ing