adopt: Meaning and Definition of

a•dopt

1. to choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent: to adopt a nickname.
2. to take and rear (the child of other parents) as one's own child, specifically by a formal legal act.
3. to take or receive into any kind of new relationship: to adopt a person as a protégé.
4. to select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.
5. to vote to accept: The House adopted the report.
6. to accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).
7. adopt out, to place (a child) for adoption: The institution may keep a child or adopt it out.