Adsorb vs. Absorb

Adsorb (verb)

To accumulate on a surface, by adsorption

Absorb (verb)

To include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up. First attested around 1350 to 1470.page=9

Absorb (verb)

To engulf, as in water; to swallow up. Attested from the late 15^th century until the late 18^th century.

Absorb (verb)

To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe, like a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in. First attested in the early 17^th century.

Absorb (verb)

To take in energy and convert it, asFirst attested in the early 18^th century.

“Heat, light, and electricity are absorbed in the substances into which they pass.”

Absorb (verb)

in receiving a physical impact or vibration without recoil.

Absorb (verb)

in receiving sound energy without repercussion or echo.

Absorb (verb)

To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fullyFirst attested in the late 18^th century.

Absorb (verb)

To occupy or consume time. First attested in the mid 19^th century.

Absorb (verb)

Assimilate mentally. First attested in the late 19^th century.

Absorb (verb)

To assume or pay for as part of a commercial transaction.

Absorb (verb)

To defray the costs.

Absorb (verb)

To accept or purchase in quantity.

Adsorb (verb)

(of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid or solute) as a thin film on the outside surface or on internal surfaces within the material

“the dye is adsorbed on to the fibre”

Absorb (verb)

take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action

“buildings can be designed to absorb and retain heat”

“steroids are absorbed into the bloodstream”

Absorb (verb)

take in and understand fully (information, ideas, or experience)

“she absorbed the information in silence”

Absorb (verb)

take control of (a smaller or less powerful entity) and make it a part of a larger one

“the family firm was absorbed into a larger group”

Absorb (verb)

use or take up (time or resources)

“arms spending absorbs roughly two per cent of the national income”

Absorb (verb)

take up and reduce the effect or intensity of (sound or an impact)

“deep-pile carpets absorbed all sound of the outside world”

Absorb (verb)

take up the attention of (someone); interest greatly

“she sat in an armchair, absorbed in a book”

“the work absorbed him and continued to make him happy”