A Quick and Simple Dictionary

adopt

1. Verb.  (transitive, with relationship specified) To take by choice into relationship, (n-g, as,) child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.
2. Verb.  (transitive, with relationship implied by context) To take voluntarily (a child of other parents) to be in the place of, or as, one's own child.
3. Verb.  (transitive, with relationship implied by context) To obtain (a pet) from a shelter or the wild.
4. Verb.  (transitive, with relationship implied by context) To take by choice into the scope of one's responsibility.
5. Verb.  (transitive) To take or receive as one's own what is not so naturally.(rfex) .
6. Verb.  (transitive) To select and take or approve.