co-opt

(verb) choose or elect as a fellow member or colleague. Example: "The church members co-opted individuals from similar backgrounds to replenish the congregation."

(verb) neutralize or win over through assimilation into an established group. Example: "We co-opted the independent minority tribes by pulling them into the northern alliance."

(verb) appoint summarily or commandeer. Example: "The army tried to co-opt peasants into civil defence groups."

(verb) take or assume for one's own use. Example: "He co-opted the criticism and embraced it."