Ab*sorb" (&?;), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Absorbed (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.
Absorbing.] [L. absorbere; ab + sorbere to suck
in, akin to Gr. &?;: cf. F. absorber.] 1. To
swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by
swallowing up; to use up; to include. "Dark oblivion soon
absorbs them all." Cowper.
The large cities absorb the wealth and fashion.
W. Irving.
2. To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge
or as the lacteals of the body. Bacon.
3. To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully;
as, absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.
4. To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any
molecular action, as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light,
and electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances into
which they pass. Nichol. p. 8
Syn. -- To Absorb, Engross, Swallow up,
Engulf. These words agree in one general idea, that of
completely taking up. They are chiefly used in a figurative sense
and may be distinguished by a reference to their etymology. We speak of a
person as absorbed (lit., drawn in, swallowed up) in study or some
other employment of the highest interest. We speak of a person as
ebgrossed (lit., seized upon in the gross, or wholly) by
something which occupies his whole time and thoughts, as the acquisition of
wealth, or the attainment of honor. We speak of a person (under a stronger
image) as swallowed up and lost in that which completely occupies
his thoughts and feelings, as in grief at the death of a friend, or in the
multiplied cares of life. We speak of a person as engulfed in that
which (like a gulf) takes in all his hopes and interests; as,
engulfed in misery, ruin, etc.
That grave question which had begun to absorb the
Christian mind -- the marriage of the clergy.
Milman.
Too long hath love engrossed Britannia's stage,
And sunk to softness all our tragic rage.
Tickell.
Should not the sad occasion swallow up
My other cares?
Addison.
And in destruction's river
Engulf and swallow those.
Sir P. Sidney.
