absorbab·sorb /əbˈsɔːb, əbˈzɔːb-ɔːrb/ verb [transitiveT]COMMERCE1if a large organization absorbs a smaller one, it takes control of it and makes it part of the organizationThe company was absorbed by IBM in 1995.
absorb intoSeveral smaller companies were absorbed into the group.
2if a business absorbs costs, it is able to deal with them without any bad effectsCareful cost control has allowed the bank to absorb the costs of the merger.
3if a market absorbs a product, it accepts it and is able to sell itCanada absorbs about 23% of US exports.
Trading was cautious and quiet as the market prepared to absorb £55 billion of government securities to be sold this week.
4if something absorbs money or time, it uses a lot of itDefence spending absorbs almost 20% of the country’s wealth.