Adoption
/əˈdɒp.ʃən/noun
The action or fact of adopting or being adopted.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, adoption was often used to secure political power, as families would adopt heirs to maintain their legacy and influence, entwining love and strategy.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
adoptio
“The act of choosing or taking to oneself.”
Old French
Old French
adopcien
“The process of taking another into one's family.”
Middle English
Middle English
adopcioun
“Formal acceptance of someone into a family or group.”
Modern English
English
adoption
“The legal process of taking another's child into one's family.”