adoption

[ uh-dop-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent, thereby entrusting the designated adult with responsibility for raising the child:

   Have you considered growing your family through adoption?

2. the act or process of acquiring a pet, especially a stray or abandoned animal from an animal rescue organization:

   The shelter sees a rush of dog adoptions every June, when school lets out for summer.

3. the act of accepting, embracing, or starting to use something, as an idea, behavior, characteristic, or principle: Her friends and family were surprised by her adoption of European mannerisms and expressions after only one year abroad.

   The adoption of a new amendment was delayed by partisan bickering.

   Her friends and family were surprised by her adoption of European mannerisms and expressions after only one year abroad.

4. the state of being adopted.

Other Words From

• a·dop·tion·al adjective
• non·a·dop·tion noun
• pre·a·dop·tion noun
• pro·a·dop·tion adjective
• re·a·dop·tion noun
• un·a·dop·tion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adoption¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English adopcioun, from Latin adoptiōn-, stem of adoptiō; ad-, option

Example Sentences

McDonnell listed his other priorities as transparency and accountability, addressing homelessness, improved emergency readiness, and “responsible adoption and use of technology with a steadfast commitment to privacy.”

From Los Angeles Times

The biggest barrier to the adoption of this strain of fungus is the dearth of places to buy the spores needed to grow it in the U.S.

From Salon

“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Louisiana public-school classroom—rendering them unavoidable—unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state’s favored religious scripture,” the parents wrote in their court filing.

From Salon

Trump also plans to roll back Biden’s efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and repeal federal subsidies for solar, wind and other renewable energy projects — important parts of California’s drive to wean itself from fossil fuels.

From Los Angeles Times

Adoption is the state’s most powerful intervention in family life.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptance
• approval
• enactment
• endorsement
• maintenance
• ratification