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co-opt

VERB
to assimilate in order to take over or appropriate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
homogenize
STRONG
absorb accept admit adopt convert elect embrace encompass enfold homologize include incorporate
WEAK
bring in bring into line bring into the fold connaturalize draw in make one's own take in take over
Antonyms
STRONG
deny dispute eject exclude let go refuse reject repudiate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The treatment, called phage therapy, has existed for a century, and its underlying concept is elegant: Co-opt viruses that naturally infect bacteria to treat infections while ignoring human host cells.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2019

Co-opt, kō-opt′, v.t. to elect into any body by the votes of its members.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various