adopt
uh-DOPT
/əˈdɒpt/
To take a pet into one's home and legally assume permanent responsibility for its care.
Implies a permanent commitment and formal legal transfer of responsibility.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'adoptare', combined from 'ad-' (to) and 'optare' (to choose). Choosing an animal to become part of your family is the literal historical meaning of the word.
Word relationships
- take in: 'Take in' is an informal expression for providing housing or shelter.
- relinquish: 'Relinquish' means to give up control or ownership.
Commonly confused with
- foster: 'Adopt' is a permanent commitment, while 'foster' is explicitly temporary.
Word family
- adoption (noun): The process or act of adopting.
- adoptive (adjective): Related by adoption.
Collocations
- adopt a pet
- adopt a stray
- adopt from a shelter
Idioms & expressions
- adopt a wait-and-see attitude
Example sentences
- "After visiting the shelter for three consecutive weeks, the family decided to adopt a senior dog." Community announcement
Memory hook
AD + OPT = Add by choosing (option) to take home. Choosing a friend for life.
When not to use
Do not use for temporary housing; use 'foster' for temporary arrangements.
Fun facts
- National Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Month is celebrated every October in the United States to encourage adopting over buying.
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