First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
imbibe
verb im·bibe \im-ˈbīb\
: to drink (something)
: to drink alcohol
im·bibedim·bib·ing
Full Definition of IMBIBE
transitive verb
2
a : to receive into the mind and retain <imbibe moral principles> b : to assimilate or take into solution
3
a : drink b : to take in or up <a sponge imbibes moisture>
intransitive verb
1
: drink 2
2
a : to take in liquid b : to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat
— im·bib·er noun
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Origin of IMBIBE
Middle English enbiben to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin imbibere to drink in, absorb, from in- + bibere to drink — more at potable
Related to IMBIBE
- Synonyms
- belt (down), gulp, guzzle, hoist, drink, knock back, pound (down), quaff, sip, slug (down), slurp, sup, swig, swill, toss (down or off)
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