imbibe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb take in, also metaphorically
    draw; take up; absorb; soak up; take in; suck up; suck; sop up.
    • The sponge absorbs water well
    • She drew strength from the minister's words
  2. verb take (gas, light or heat) into a solution
    assimilate.
  3. verb take in liquids
    drink.
    • The patient must drink several liters each day
    • The children like to drink soda
  4. verb receive into the mind and retain
    • Imbibe ethical principles

WordNet

Im*bibe" transitive verb
Etymology
L. imbibere; pref. im- in + bibere to drink: cf. F. imbiber. Cf. Bib, Imbue, Potable.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Imbibed ; present participle & verbal noun Imbibing
Definitions
  1. To drink in; to absorb; to suck or take in; to receive as by drinking; as, a person imbibes drink, or a sponge imbibes moisture.
  2. To receive or absorb into the mind and retain; as, to imbibe principles; to imbibe errors.
  3. To saturate; to imbue. Obs. "Earth, imbibed with . . . acid." Sir I. Newton.

Webster 1913