An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To choose or take as one’s own; make one’s own by selection or assent.
   

2. To take and rear (the child of other parents) as one’s own child, specifically by a formal legal act.
   

3. To vote to accept (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from M.Fr. adopter, from L. adoptare, from → ad-

• optare, → opt.

Etymology (PE): Baroptidan, on the model of bargozidan “to choose,” from bar- “on, up, upon, in,” → on-,

• optidan, → opt.