adopt

 
Pronunciation: /əˈdɒpt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1legally take (another’s child) and bring it up as one’s own: there are many people eager to adopt a baby
  • 2choose to take up or follow (an idea, method, or course of action): this approach has been adopted by many big banks
  • choose and move to (a country or city) as one’s permanent place of residence.
  • 3take on or assume (an attitude or position): he adopted a patronizing tone
  • British choose (someone) as a candidate for office: she was recently adopted as Labour candidate for the constituency
  • formally approve or accept (a report or suggestion): the committee voted 5-1 to adopt the proposal
  • 4British (of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road).

Derivatives

adoptable

adjective

adoptee

noun

adopter

noun

Origin:

late 15th century: via French from Latin adoptare, from ad- 'to' + optare 'choose'