a‧dopt S3 W2 / ədɒpt $ ədɑpt / 动词

1 child [及物/不及物动词] to take someone else’s child into your home and legally become its parent → foster :

Sally was adopted when she was four.

The couple are unable to have children of their own, but hope to adopt.

2 adopt an approach/policy/attitude etc to start to deal with or think about something in a particular way :

The courts were asked to adopt a more flexible approach to young offenders.

The store recently adopted a drug testing policy for all new employees.

California has adopted a tough stance on the issue.

3 style/manner [及物动词] to use a particular style of speaking, writing, or behaving, especially one that you do not usually use :

Kim adopts a southern accent when speaking to family back home.

4 law/rule [及物动词] to formally approve a proposal, amendment etc, especially by voting :

Congress finally adopted the law after a two-year debate.

5 name/country etc [及物动词] to choose a new name, country, custom etc, especially to replace a previous one :

Stevens became a Muslim and adopted the name Yusuf Islam.

Becoming a member of a society means adopting its values.

6 election [及物动词] British English to officially choose someone to represent a political party in an election

— adopter 名词 [可数名词]

— adoptee / ədɒpti $ ədɑp- / 名词 [可数名词]