<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>To choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent: to adopt a nickname.</li><li>To take responsibility for raising (someone else’s biological child) as one's own, specifically by a formal legal act: After more than 300 days in foster care, the twins were adopted by a family that was able to keep the siblings together.</li><li>To acquire (a pet, especially one from an animal rescue organization): Local animal rescue groups use social media to persuade people to adopt dogs and cats from them instead of purchasing puppies and kittens from pet shops or breeders.</li><li>To take or receive into any kind of new relationship: to adopt a person as a protégé.</li><li>To select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.</li><li>To vote to accept: The House adopted the report.</li><li>To accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>To take a nonbiological child into one’s home and raise as one’s own.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb phrase</strong></p><ul><li>To place in a home by means of adoption: The shelter provides basic medical care and vaccinations to the animals they will be adopting out.</li></ul>