adopt

/əˈdɒpt/verb

To choose to take a person or thing into a particular relationship as one's own.

Example sentences

“The couple decided to adopt a child from the local orphanage.”
“Our family adopted a shy gray kitten from the animal shelter last spring.”

Extends well beyond children: you can adopt an approach, an attitude, a policy, or a tone.

Synonyms for adopt

take in
take on
embrace

Antonyms

abandon
reject

Often confused with adopt

adopt vs adapt
adopt vs adept: adept (adjective): Highly skilled or expert at a particular activity.
adopt vs foster: foster (verb): To raise and care for a child, especially one who is not yours by birth, or to help something grow and develop.

Related words

nurtureThe care and support given to help someone or something grow and develop.adoptionThe process of taking another person's child into your family and raising them as your own.upbringingThe way a child is raised and taught while growing up.caregiverSomeone whose role is to take care of another person.babysitterSomeone who looks after children for a short time while their parents or guardians are away.nannyA person employed to look after a family's children.