"adopt" Definition

Definitions for the word "adopt" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To take by choice into relationship, as, child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.; esp. to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) to be in the place of, or as, one's own child.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To take or receive as one's own what is not so naturally; to select and take or approve; as, to adopt the view or policy of another; these resolutions were adopted.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v.
1 legally take (a person) into a relationship, esp. Another''s child as one''s own. 2 choose (a course of action etc.). 3 take over (another''s idea etc.). 4 choose as a candidate for office. 5 accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.). 6 accept or approve (a report, accounts, etc.). adoption n. [latin: related to *ad-, *opt]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "adopt" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "adopt" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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