co-opt definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

co-opt [ kō ópt ] (past and past participle co-opt·ed, present participle co-opt·ing, 3rd person present singular co-opts)

transitive verb

Definition:

1. adopt something: to adopt or appropriate something such as a political issue or idea as your own

2. involve opponent in larger group: to absorb an opponent or opposing group into a larger group or society by making promises and concessions

3. appoint somebody by agreement: to appoint somebody to a body by agreement with the other members

[Mid-17th century. < Latin cooptare "choose mutually" < optare "choose"]

co-op·ta·tion [ k op táysh'n ] noun

co-op·ta·tive [ kō óptətiv ] adjective

co-op·tion noun

co-op·tive adjective