v.tr.
1. take (a person) into a relationship, esp. another's child as one's own.
2 choose to follow (a course of action etc.).
3 take over (an idea etc.) from another person.
4 choose as a candidate for office.
5 Brit. (of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.).
6 accept; formally approve (a report, accounts, etc.).
Derivatives:
adoption n.
Etymology: F adopter or L adoptare (as AD-, optare choose)