Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Absorb \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.

Source : WordNet®

absorb
     v 1: become imbued; "The liquids, light, and gases absorb"
     2: take up mentally; "he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of
        his tribe" [syn: {assimilate}, {ingest}, {take in}]
     3: take up, as of debts or payments; "absorb the costs for
        something" [syn: {take over}]
     4: take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water
        well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words" [syn:
         {suck}, {imbibe}, {soak up}, {sop up}, {suck up}, {draw},
         {take in}, {take up}]
     5: cause to become one with; "The sales tax is absorbed into
        the state income tax"
     6: suck or take up or in; "A black star absorbs all matter"
        [syn: {take in}] [ant: {emit}]
     7: engross (oneself) fully; "He immersed himself into his
        studies" [syn: {steep}, {immerse}, {engulf}, {plunge}, {engross},
         {soak up}]
     8: assimilate or take in; "The immigrants were quickly absorbed
        into society"
     9: engage or engross wholly; "Her interest in butterflies
        absorbs her completely" [syn: {engross}, {engage}, {occupy}]