The verb has 13 meanings:
Meaning #1:
pursue or resume
Meaning #2:
adopt, as of ideas
Synonyms: latch on, fasten on, hook on, seize on
Meaning #3:
turn one's interest to
Meaning #4:
take up time or space
Meaning #5:
begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
Synonym: start
Meaning #6:
take up and practice as one's own
Synonyms: adopt, borrow, take over
Meaning #7:
occupy or take on, as of a position or posture
Synonyms: assume, take, strike
Meaning #8:
take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption; in chemistry
Synonym: sorb
Meaning #9:
take out or up with or as if with a scoop
Synonyms: scoop, scoop out, lift out, scoop up
Meaning #10:
accept
Synonym: take in
Meaning #11:
take in, also metaphorically
Synonyms: absorb, suck, imbibe, soak up, sop up, suck up, draw, take in
Meaning #12:
take up as if with a sponge
Synonyms: take in, sop up, suck in
Meaning #13:
return to a previous location or condition
Synonym: resume
