adopt

Formsadopts, adopting, adopted

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To take another person's child into your family and raise them as your own.

   Like welcoming a new person into your home and treating them as family.

   They decided to adopt a baby girl from another country.

   The couple adopted two children after years of waiting.

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To choose something and start to use it or agree to it.

   Like picking a new tool and deciding to use it from now on.

   The school decided to adopt a new set of rules.

   The team adopted a fresh plan to win more games.

   Similarapprove, accept, ratify, pass, endorse

   Oppositereject, repeal

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To take on something that is not naturally yours, like a habit or way of acting.

   Like trying on someone else's style until it feels like your own.

   He began to adopt the local accent after moving there.

   She adopted a calm tone to settle the argument.

   Similarassume, acquire, embrace, copy, imitate

   Oppositereject, abandon, shed

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To take a pet home from a shelter to care for it.

   Like giving a homeless animal a new family.

   They went to the shelter to adopt a kitten.

   We adopted an older dog that no one else wanted.

   Similarrescue

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To take on someone or something as your responsibility because you choose to.

   Like agreeing to look after a part of your neighborhood.

   The club decided to adopt a local park and keep it clean.

   Our class adopted a stretch of beach for cleanups.

   Similarsponsor, support

   Note
6. 6
   verbtransitive

   To pay to help support a child or animal, and get updates and pictures in return.

   Like sending money to feed an animal you never meet, and getting photos back.

   You can adopt a panda at the zoo and get photos each month.

   They adopted a dolphin through the charity's program.

   Similarsponsor

7. 7
   verbslangtransitive

   To beat the same opponent ten times in a row in a game.

   If you win one more time, you'll adopt me at chess.

   He adopted his rival after ten straight wins.

   Note
8. 8
   nouncolloquialtransitiveabbreviationclipping

   Short form of adoptable. It means a character design made for someone else to take and own.

   I bought my first adopt from a designer online.

   The artist put three new adopts up for sale today.

   Note

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