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.). adoption n.
[ F adopter or L adoptare (as AD-, optare choose) ]