adoption

/əˈdɒp.ʃən/noun

The process of taking another person's child into your family and raising them as your own.

Example sentences

“The adoption was finalized after months of paperwork.”
“They chose adoption because they wanted to give an older child a loving home.”

In business and tech writing it means people starting to use something: "the adoption of electric cars". Context keeps the senses apart.

Often confused with adoption

adoption vs adaptation

Related words

adoptTo choose to take a person or thing into a particular relationship as one's own.fosterTo raise and care for a child, especially one who is not yours by birth, or to help something grow and develop.nurtureThe care and support given to help someone or something grow and develop.caregiverSomeone whose role is to take care of another person.upbringingThe way a child is raised and taught while growing up.babysitterSomeone who looks after children for a short time while their parents or guardians are away.