adopt

[ uh-dopt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent:

   to adopt a nickname.

2. to take responsibility for raising (someone else’s biological child) as one's own, specifically by a formal legal act:

   After more than 300 days in foster care, the twins were adopted by a family that was able to keep the siblings together.

3. to acquire (a pet, especially one from an animal rescue organization):

   Local animal rescue groups use social media to persuade people to adopt dogs and cats from them instead of purchasing puppies and kittens from pet shops or breeders.

4. to take or receive into any kind of new relationship:

   to adopt a person as a protégé.

5. to select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.
6. to vote to accept:

   The House adopted the report.

7. to accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to take a nonbiological child into one’s home and raise as one’s own.
2. to acquire a pet, especially one from an animal rescue organization:

   “Adopt! Don’t shop!” is the popular slogan promoted by one nonprofit animal advocacy group.

verb phrase

1. to place in a home by means of adoption:

   The shelter provides basic medical care and vaccinations to the animals they will be adopting out.

adopt

/ əˈdɒpt /

verb

1. law to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp to take (another's child) as one's own child
2. to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc)
3. to take over (an idea, etc) as if it were one's own
4. to take on; assume

   to adopt a title

5. to accept (a report, etc)

Derived Forms

• aˈdopter, noun
• ˌadopˈtee, noun
• aˈdoption, noun

Other Words From

• a·dopt·er noun
• non·a·dopt·er noun
• pre·a·dopt verb (used with object)
• qua·si-a·dopt verb (used with object)
• qua·si-a·dopt·ed adjective
• re·a·dopt verb (used with object)
• un·a·dopt·ed adjective
• well-a·dopt·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adopt¹

First recorded 1490–1500; late Middle English adopten, partly from Middle French adopter, partly from Latin adoptāre, equivalent to ad- verb prefix + optāre “to desire, pray for”; ad-, opt

Word History and Origins

Origin of adopt¹

C16: from Latin adoptāre to choose for oneself, from optāre to choose

Example Sentences

The Sense, however, is alone as the first Fitbit to adopt an ECG sensor, bringing it up to speed with the new Apple Watch on that front.

From TechCrunch

For farms to adopt climate-friendly practices, they need restaurants that reward them for doing so.

From MIT Technology Review

New York adopted some of the toughest measures, and it now has the third-lowest per-capita case rate among the 50 states.

From Washington Post

Even in normal circumstances, when people are not under stress, it is difficult to adopt AI tools into a process and make sure it’s all properly regulated.

From MIT Technology Review

The networks may benefit from more people having adopted streaming this year and the people who canceled their pay-TV subscriptions looking to subscribe to streamers offering TV programming.

From Digiday

Now Wisconsin is considering making it mandatory for parents who adopt overseas to have their children “re-adopted” in the state.

From The Daily Beast

Some of the most explosive opportunities could be based around things that the Western world seems reluctant to adopt.

From The Daily Beast

“It doesn't require the association to immediately adopt the listed protections,” Hruby wrote.

From The Daily Beast

How many shootings will it take before we adopt common sense gun control?

From The Daily Beast

Almost every country present pledged to either adopt a church or rebuild a school.

From The Daily Beast

The French adopt the same derivation, calling it "asbeste" (minèral filamenteux et incombustible).

From Project Gutenberg

They may adopt such rules as they like provided they are not contrary to the laws of the land.

From Project Gutenberg

Very soon I induced my directors to adopt the view that the railway company must encourage and help the project.

From Project Gutenberg

But don't adopt the role of inquisitor—because I'm as good as dead, and dead men tell no tales.

From Project Gutenberg

It decided to adopt Mr. Dickinson's petition; and to this measure John Adams submitted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accept
• approve
• embrace
• endorse
• follow
• maintain
• ratify
• select
• support
• take up
• use

More About Adopt

What does adopt mean?

To adopt is to take another parent’s child into one’s custody, typically in a formal legal way, in order to permanently act as their parent or guardian.

This most commonly involves an adult couple or a single adult adopting and raising a child who is no longer in the custody of either of their birth parents (biological parents), such as in cases where they have died or are otherwise unable to care for the child. This sense of adopt can also be used in reference to adopting an animal as a pet, such as from an animal shelter. The word is especially used this way when the animal had a previous caretaker.

Adopt and the noun form adoption have many other more general meanings. Most generally, adopt means to choose or take as one’s own. It can also mean to accept something or vote to approve it. In all cases, adoption is the act or process of adopting, or the state of having adopted.

To adopt a tradition or religion is to make it one’s own. To adopt a plan is to approve it and act according to its steps. Similarly, to adopt a law is to formally vote to approve it and take steps to follow and enforce it.

Example: We’ve found an agency that will help us to adopt.

Where does adopt come from?

The first records of the word adopt come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin verb adoptāre, meaning “to choose for oneself,” from optāre, “to choose.”

Adoption of children is often pursued by people who are unable or who choose not to have biological children, but it can also involve families with their own children adopting other children into the family. A child can also be adopted by a relative, such as an aunt, uncle, or grandparent. The adjective adoptive can mean “involving adoption” or “related by adoption,” as in my adoptive family. A person who has been adopted can be referred to as an adoptee. More commonly, such a person may identify as adopted, as in I’m adopted, but I’ve met my birth mother and keep in touch with her.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to adopt?

• adopted (past tense verb, adjective)
• adoption (noun)
• adoptive (adjective)
• adoptee
• adopter (noun)
• nonadopter (noun)
• adoptable (adjective, noun)

What are some synonyms for adopt?

• accept
• approve
• enact

What are some words that share a root or word element with adopt? 

• opt
• option

What are some words that often get used in discussing adopt?

• child
• parent
• family
• pet
• animal
• agency
• services
• process

How is adopt used in real life?

Adopt is commonly used in the context of the adoption of children as well as in its general senses.

THIS IS NOT OKAY. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community or having a disability should not be a factor in whether you are able to adopt a child or not. I am heartbroken. https://t.co/BC578N7k3T

— vote blue (@ida1ia) October 23, 2020

I have been trying to adopt a puppy for 3 months, no luck whatsoever. What am I doing wrong?

— Lea Goldman (@lea) October 21, 2020

@SOTSMerrill are there any plans to adopt early voting in CT for future elections? Feels like the state is behind on this one.

— Brian Koerber (@bkurbs) October 22, 2020

 

Try using adopt!

Is adopt used correctly in the following sentence?

We plan to adopt the new plan next quarter.