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

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