<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>The act or process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent, thereby entrusting the designated adult with responsibility for raising the child: Have you considered growing your family through adoption?</li><li>The act or process of acquiring a pet, especially a stray or abandoned animal from an animal rescue organization: The shelter sees a rush of dog adoptions every June, when school lets out for summer.</li><li>The act of accepting, embracing, or starting to use something, as an idea, behavior, characteristic, or principle: Her friends and family were surprised by her adoption of European mannerisms and expressions after only one year abroad.</li><li>The adoption of a new amendment was delayed by partisan bickering.</li><li>The state of being adopted.</li></ul>