adopt
to choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent: to adopt a nickname.
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.
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.
to take or receive into any kind of new relationship: to adopt a person as a protégé.
to select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.
to vote to accept: The House adopted the report.
to accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).
to take a nonbiological child into one’s home and raise as one’s own.
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.
adopt out, 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.
Origin of adopt
1Other words from adopt
- 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
Words that may be confused with adopt
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use adopt in a sentence
It is adopting technology—in rocket propulsion, composite construction, and aerodynamic refinements—already in use elsewhere.
Each year, SEIA identifies the top 25 companies adopting solar power in its annual Solar Means Business report.
How about adopting the Scandinavian “bicycle monarchy” model, for example?
Imagining Prince Charles as King Makes All of Britain Wish They Could Leave Like Scotland | Clive Irving | September 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSingh went on to say that Indian women should beware of adopting a western code of feminism.
However, limit yourself to one plate rather than adopting an all-you-can-eat mindset.
When Is It OK to Cheat? The Pros and Cons of Cheat Days | DailyBurn | July 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Much has been lost by adopting equal temperament, but more has been gained.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller"No, she don't or'ter," the Colonel thought, involuntarily adopting Jake's dialect; but what to do with her was the question.
The Cromptons | Mary J. HolmesI decided, therefore, on adopting the less costly mode of conveyance by oxen.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida PfeifferEnglish bridge-builders are somewhat hampered in adopting rational limits of working stress by the rules of the Board of Trade.
Colonial wealth now can get into Parliament only by the favour of urban constituencies—that is, by adopting Free Trade principles.
British Dictionary definitions for adopt
/ (əˈdɒpt) /
law to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp to take (another's child) as one's own child
to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc)
to take over (an idea, etc) as if it were one's own
to take on; assume: to adopt a title
to accept (a report, etc)
Origin of adopt
1Derived forms of adopt
- adoptee, noun
- adopter, noun
- adoption, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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