1. (law) a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit)
   "The couple went through a lengthy adoption process to welcome their new child"
    
2. The act of accepting with approval; favourable reception
   "its adoption by society";
   - acceptance, acceptation, espousal
    
3. The appropriation (of ideas or words etc.) from another source
   "the adoption of ancient motifs was very apparent";
   - borrowing

Derived forms: adoptions

Type of: appropriation, approval, approving, blessing, legal proceeding, proceeding, proceedings

Encyclopedia: Adoption