SOAK UP

v. 1. To take up water or other liquid as a sponge does. The rag soaked up the water that I spilled. 2. To use a sponge or something like a sponge to take up liquid. John soaked up the water with the rag. 3. informal To take up into yourself in the way a sponge takes up water. Mary was lying on the beach soaking up the sun. Charles soaks up facts as fast as the teacher gives them.