\Ab*sorb"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Absorbed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Absorbing}.] [L. absorbere; ab + sorbere to suck in, akin
to Gr. ?: cf. F. absorber.]
1. To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to
   disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include.
   ``Dark oblivion soon absorbs them all.'' --Cowper.
         The large cities absorb the wealth and fashion. --W.
                                               Irving.
2. To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the
   lacteals of the body. --Bacon.
3. To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed
   in study or the pursuit of wealth.
4. To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any molecular action,
   as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light, and
   electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances
   into which they pass. --Nichol. --p. 8
Syn: To {Absorb}, {Engross}, {Swallow up}, {Engulf}.
Usage: These words agree in one general idea, that of
       completely taking up. They are chiefly used in a
       figurative sense and may be distinguished by a
       reference to their etymology. We speak of a person as
       absorbed (lit., drawn in, swallowed up) in study or
       some other employment of the highest interest. We
       speak of a person as ebgrossed (lit., seized upon in
       the gross, or wholly) by something which occupies his
       whole time and thoughts, as the acquisition of wealth,
       or the attainment of honor. We speak of a person
       (under a stronger image) as swallowed up and lost in
       that which completely occupies his thoughts and
       feelings, as in grief at the death of a friend, or in
       the multiplied cares of life. We speak of a person as
       engulfed in that which (like a gulf) takes in all his
       hopes and interests; as, engulfed in misery, ruin,
       etc.
   That grave question which had begun to absorb the
   Christian mind -- the marriage of the clergy. --Milman.
   Too long hath love engrossed Britannia's stage, And sunk
   to softness all our tragic rage.            --Tickell.
   Should not the sad occasion swallow up My other cares?
                                               --Addison.
   And in destruction's river Engulf and swallow those. --Sir
                                               P. Sidney.