1. To make suitable by changing or adjusting something to accommodate, assimilate, harmonize with, or conform to: Some people must adapt themselves to the heavy rain that falls in their area.
2. To fit for a new use; to transform, to rework, to convert, to make suitable, to modify, to alter: The drama that James was watching had been adapted from a short story.
3. To undergo modifications in order to fit new circumstances or situations: The auto mechanic was adapting Ed's car for winter driving.
4. Etymology: from Latin adaptare, "to adjust" from ad-, "to" plus aptare, "to join" from aptus, "fitted".