absorb in WordNet English dictionary

1. cause to become one with
   "The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax"
   absorb 
   
2. take up mentally
   "he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe"
   absorb  assimilate  ingest  take in 
   
3. consume all of one's attention or time
   "Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely"
   absorb  engross  engage  occupy 
   
4. devote (oneself) fully to
   "He immersed himself into his studies"
   steep  immerse  engulf  plunge  engross  absorb  soak up 
   
5. take in, also metaphorically
   "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words"
   absorb  suck  imbibe  soak up  sop up  suck up  draw  take in  take up 
   
6. become imbued
   "The liquids, light, and gases absorb"
   absorb 
   
7. assimilate or take in
   "The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society"
   absorb 
   
8. take up, as of debts or payments
   "absorb the costs for something"
   absorb  take over 
   
9. suck or take up or in
   "A black star absorbs all matter"
   absorb  take in