adopt

verb \ə-ˈdäpt\

: to take a child of other parents legally as your own child

: to begin to use or have (a different manner, method, etc.)

: to begin to use (a name that is not your real or original name)

Full Definition of ADOPT

transitive verb

: to take by choice into a relationship; especially : to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one's own child

: to take up and practice or use <adopted a moderate tone>

: to accept formally and put into effect <adopt a constitutional amendment>

: to choose (a textbook) for required study in a course

: to sponsor the care and maintenance of <adopt a highway>

intransitive verb

: to adopt a child <couples choosing to adopt>

— adopt·abil·i·ty \-ˌdäp-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— adopt·able \-ˈdäp-tə-bəl\ adjective

— adopt·er noun

See adopt defined for English-language learners

See adopt defined for kids

Origin of ADOPT

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French adopter, from Latin adoptare, from ad- + optare to choose

First Known Use: 1500

Related to ADOPT

Synonyms: borrow, embrace, espouse, take on, take up, pick up on

Synonym Discussion of ADOPT

adopt, embrace, espouse mean to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own. adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature <forced to adopt new policies>. embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance <embraced the customs of their new homeland>. espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes <espoused the cause of women's rights>.