v.tr. 1 include or incorporate as part of itself or oneself (the country successfully absorbed its immigrants). 2 take in; suck up (liquid, heat, knowledge, etc.) (she quickly absorbed all she was taught). 3 reduce the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.). 4 consume (income, time, resources, etc.) (his debts absorbed half his income). 5 engross the attention of (television absorbs them completely). absorbable adj. absorbability n. absorber n.
[ ME f. F absorber or L absorbere absorpt- (as AB-, sorbere suck in) ]