Ingest: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in scientific, medical, or formal contexts to describe the act of taking food or other substances into the body, usually through the mouth.

• The patient needs to ingest the medication with water
• Certain animals ingest toxic plants without adverse effects

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of eating or drinking. It can also refer to using up resources or energy.

• He tends to consume a lot of junk food
• The car consumes a lot of fuel on long trips

Used when talking about the body's ability to take in nutrients, liquids, or other substances. It can also refer to the way a material takes in liquid, energy, or information.

• The body absorbs vitamins from the food we eat
• This sponge can absorb a large amount of liquid

Ordinarily used to refer to the physical act of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Can also be used metaphorically to mean accepting something difficult or unpleasant.

• She had to swallow a big pill
• He had to swallow his pride and apologize

Used when referring to taking food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it. Generally used in scientific or medical contexts.

• The patient was instructed not to ingest any food before the surgery
• It's important to ingest enough water daily

This word is used when talking about a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. It's often used in technical, computer science, or psychological contexts.

• The machine can process 100 applications per hour
• He needs some time to process the news

Often used when speaking about the process of fully understanding information or adapting to a new culture or environment. It implies a deeper integration and comprehension.

• She found it difficult to assimilate all the details of the complex theory
• Immigrants often struggle to assimilate into their new societies

Commonly used to describe the act of taking in a liquid, gas, or other substance. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about taking in information or experiences.

• The sponge can absorb a lot of water
• The student was able to absorb all the new information quickly