(verb) To take by choice into relationship (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.)
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom."
"Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power."
"The thing I want more than anything else? I want to have children. I used to feel for every child I had, I would adopt another."
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
"You deny your own values and opinions, and you adopt a personality that isn't you."