adopt

[ uh-dopt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent:

   to adopt a nickname.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. to take or receive into any kind of new relationship:

   to adopt a person as a protégé.

5. to select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.
6. to vote to accept:

   The House adopted the report.

7. to accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to take a nonbiological child into one’s home and raise as one’s own.
2. 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.

verb phrase

1. 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.

adopt

/ əˈdɒpt /

verb

1. law to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp to take (another's child) as one's own child
2. to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc)
3. to take over (an idea, etc) as if it were one's own
4. to take on; assume

   to adopt a title

5. to accept (a report, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˌadopˈtee, noun
• aˈdoption, noun
• aˈdopter, noun

Other Words From

• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adopt¹

First recorded 1490–1500; late Middle English adopten, partly from Middle French adopter, partly from Latin adoptāre, equivalent to ad- verb prefix + optāre “to desire, pray for”; ad-, opt

Word History and Origins

Origin of adopt¹

C16: from Latin adoptāre to choose for oneself, from optāre to choose

Example Sentences

But their mother, my grandmother, sick with tuberculosis, asked a friend to adopt them when she died.

From Los Angeles Times

Clyde Marine Services, the tug’s owner, has been ordered to review its safety management system and risk assessments, and adopt a recognised training scheme for tug masters.

From BBC

He “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and ... he may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness,” officials said last month.

From Los Angeles Times

In those shows, multimillionaires and billionaires adopt this style of “quiet luxury,” defined by Vogue as “a look that will stand the test of time, as it’s essentially a synonym for elevated basics,” in order to subtly express their status among others in their peer group, but otherwise retain the freedom to blend in among the masses.

From Salon

According to his campaign platform: “President Trump will reward states and school districts that abolish teacher tenure for grades K-12 and adopt Merit Pay, cut the number of school administrators.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept
• approve
• embrace
• endorse
• follow
• maintain
• ratify
• select
• support
• take up
• use