, etc.

* * * * *

ABSORB.

Synonyms:

consume, engross, suck up, take in,
drink in, exhaust, swallow, take up.
drink up, imbibe, swallow up,

A fluid that is _absorbed_ is _taken up_ into the mass of the
_absorbing_ body, with which it may or may not permanently combine. Wood
expands when it _absorbs_ moisture, iron when it _absorbs_ heat, the
substance remaining perhaps otherwise substantially unchanged;
quicklime, when it _absorbs_ water, becomes a new substance with
different qualities, hydrated or slaked lime. A substance is _consumed_
which is destructively appropriated by some other substance, being, or
agency, so that it ceases to exist or to be recognized as existing in
its original condition; fuel is _consumed_ in the fire, food in the
body; _consume_ is also applied to whatever is removed from the market
for individual use; as, silk and woolen goods are _consumed_. A great
talker _engrosses_ the conversation. A credulous person _swallows_ the
most preposterous statement. A busy student _imbibes_ or _drinks in_
knowledge; he is _absorbed_ in a subject that takes his whole attention.
"I only postponed it because I happened to get _absorbed_ in a book."
KANE _Grinnell Exped._ ch. 43, page 403. [H. '54.]

Antonyms:

cast out, dissipate, emit, put forth, shoot forth,
disgorge, distract, exude, radiate, throw off,
disperse, eject, give up, send out, vomit.

Prepositions:

Plants absorb moisture _from_ the air; the student is absorbed _in_
thought; nutriment may be absorbed _into_ the system _through_ the skin.

* * * * *

ABSTINENCE.

Synonyms:

abstemiousness, frugality, self-denial, sobriety,
continence, moderation, self-restraint, temperance.
fasting, self-control,

_Abstinence_ from food commonly signifies going without;
_abstemiousness_, partaking moderately; _abstinence_ may be for a single
occasion, _abstemiousness_ is habitual _moderation_. _Self-denial_ is
giving up what one wishes; _abstinence_ may be refraining from what one
does not desire. _Fasting_ is _abstinence_ from food for a limited time,
and generally for religious reasons. _Sobriety_ and _temperance_ signify
maintaining a quiet, even temper by moderate indulgence in some things,
complete _abstinence_ from others. We speak of _temperance_ in eating,
but of _abstinence_ from vice. _