absorption
noun
ab·sorp·tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən 
-ˈzȯrp-
1
a
: the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed
absorption of water
compare adsorption b
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
his absorption in his work
absorptive
əb-ˈsȯrp-tiv
adjective -ˈzȯrp-
Synonyms
- attention
- concentration
- engrossment
- enthrallment
- immersion
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system
Recent Examples on the Web Adding fruits high in vitamin C will also aid in iron absorption. 
Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 Vitamin D’s role in calcium absorption and bone health also strengthens the teeth, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 This can result in the absorption of potential contaminants and loss of their organic status. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 This Irma Vep is loose and intellectually loopy, broad and jokey one moment and wallowing in sad self-absorption the next. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2022 There, gathered in a semicircle around the 67-year-old actor, director and producer, the Heat found themselves in rapt absorption as Washington offered impromptu words of inspiration. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2022 Blue light fades blemishes and fights against breakouts, low vibrations provide a depuffing facial massage and boost skin's natural radiance, and therapeutic warmth aids in absorption of products and reduces redness. Alex Warner, PEOPLE.com, 12 Apr. 2022 What concerns me more than her exercise in futility, though, is her exercise in self-absorption. Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2021 Ritual's approach is designed to be unique in that the capsules are formulated to delay release of the nutrients and ensure greater absorption. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 30 Aug. 2022 See More
Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 Vitamin D’s role in calcium absorption and bone health also strengthens the teeth, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 This can result in the absorption of potential contaminants and loss of their organic status. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 This Irma Vep is loose and intellectually loopy, broad and jokey one moment and wallowing in sad self-absorption the next. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2022 There, gathered in a semicircle around the 67-year-old actor, director and producer, the Heat found themselves in rapt absorption as Washington offered impromptu words of inspiration. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2022 Blue light fades blemishes and fights against breakouts, low vibrations provide a depuffing facial massage and boost skin's natural radiance, and therapeutic warmth aids in absorption of products and reduces redness. Alex Warner, PEOPLE.com, 12 Apr. 2022 What concerns me more than her exercise in futility, though, is her exercise in self-absorption. Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2021 Ritual's approach is designed to be unique in that the capsules are formulated to delay release of the nutrients and ensure greater absorption. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 30 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing absorption
Kids Definition
absorption
noun
ab·sorp·tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
1
: the process of drawing in or soaking up : absorbing or being absorbed
the absorption of water by soil
2
: complete attention
Medical Definition
absorption
noun
ab·sorp·tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp-
1
: the process of absorbing or of being absorbed
absorption of nourishment in the small intestine
compare adsorption 2
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves
Legal Definition
absorption
noun
ab·sorp·tion
: the application to the states of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
while Powell [v. Alabama] was sometimes described as having absorbed the right to counsel, the Court there clearly limited any such absorption W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israelabsorption
noun
as in immersion
a focusing of the mind on something forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- immersion
- concentration
- attention
- engrossment
- application
- fixation
- consciousness
- awareness
- enthrallment
- obsession
- alertness
- consideration
- preoccupation
- meditation
- rumination
- intentness
- contemplation
- raptness
- heedfulness
- musing
- pondering
- regard
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- withdrawal
- absence
- abstraction
- inattention
- detachment
- unawareness
- indifference
- unconsciousness
- remoteness
- obliviousness
- distraction
- disinterest
- abstractedness
- absentmindedness
- confusion
- bewilderment
- mindlessness
- unconcern
- bemusement
- befuddlement