To adopt something is to make it your own. This word is usually used when a person takes full legal responsibility for a baby that is not biologically related. You can also use the word "adopt" for ideas and things.
The people across the street adopted a baby girl from India.
Jason and Valerie are thinking about adopting after years of trying to have their own child.
Adoption gives an unwanted child a chance to live a good life. (The word "adoption" in this sentence is a noun.)
My friends Jessica and Marta adopted a two-year-old boy from Guatemala. (In the U.S. it’s legal for same-sex couples to adopt a child.)
You can adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter.
Vesco Insurance adopted a highway. Twice a year the employees go out and clean up garbage that accumulates on the side of the road. (When companies and organizations adopt a highway, they voluntarily clean it and receive public recognition for their efforts.)
A new plan was adopted for fixing the nation’s school system.
Companies in the United States are adopting new ways to increase employee productivity.
The government adopted new rules and procedures for managing natural disasters.
