The verb absorb has 9 senses (first 7 from tagged texts)
1. (12) absorb -- (become imbued; "The liquids, light, and gases absorb")
2. (5) absorb, assimilate, ingest, take in -- (take up mentally; "he absorbed the knowledge or beliefs of his tribe")
3. (4) absorb, take over -- (take up, as of debts or payments; "absorb the costs for something")
4. (4) absorb, suck, imbibe, soak up, sop up, suck up, draw, take in, take up -- (take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words")
5. (2) absorb -- (cause to become one with; "The sales tax is absorbed into the state income tax")
6. (1) absorb, take in -- (suck or take up or in; "A black star absorbs all matter")
7. (1) steep, immerse, engulf, plunge, engross, absorb, soak up -- (engross (oneself) fully; "He immersed himself into his studies")
8. absorb -- (assimilate or take in; "The immigrants were quickly absorbed into society")
9. absorb, engross, engage, occupy -- (engage or engross wholly; "Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely")