consume

[ kuhn-soom ]

verb (used with object)

, con·sumed, con·sum·ing.

1. to destroy or expend by use; use up.

   Synonyms: deplete, exhaust

2. to eat or drink up; devour.
3. to destroy, as by decomposition or burning:

   Fire consumed the forest.

4. to spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully.

   Synonyms: dissipate, squander

5. to absorb; engross:

   consumed with curiosity.

verb (used without object)

, con·sumed, con·sum·ing.

1. to undergo destruction; waste away.
2. to use or use up consumer goods.

consume

/ kənˈsjuːm /

verb

1. tr to eat or drink
2. tr; often passive to engross or obsess
3. tr to use up; expend

   my car consumes little oil

4. to destroy or be destroyed by burning, decomposition, etc

   fire consumed the forest

5. tr to waste or squander

   the time consumed on that project was excessive

6. passive to waste away

Derived Forms

• conˈsumingly, adverb
• conˈsuming, adjective

Other Words From

• half-con·sumed adjective
• over·con·sume verb overconsumed overconsuming
• precon·sume verb (used with object) preconsumed preconsuming
• uncon·sumed adjective
• under·con·sume verb (used with object) underconsumed underconsuming

Word History and Origins

Origin of consume¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French consumer, from Latin consūmere, from con- con- + sūmere “to take up” (equivalent to subs-, variant of sub- sub- + emere “to take, buy”; emptor ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of consume¹

C14: from Latin consūmere to devour, from com- (intensive) + sūmere to take up, from emere to take, purchase

Example Sentences

Chronic wasting disease has spread through North America throughout deer and elk populations, and conservationists are concerned that it may infect predators who consume deer or elk as prey.

From Science Daily

But because ordinary people showed some spine — and some interest in consuming news about the scandal — the embarrassing details about Gaetz kept coming out.

From Salon

News reports and testimonies suggest the tourists may have consumed alcohol laced with methanol - a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol.

From BBC

Overall, participants reported adding produce, protein, fish and healthy fats to their diets and consuming less alcohol, pasta and other carbohydrates, fried foods, sweets and dairy.

From Science Daily

The deaths remain under police investigation, but news reports and testimonies online from other tourists suggest they may have consumed drinks laced with methanol, a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol.

From BBC

Related Words

• absorb
• deplete
• devour
• dominate
• drain
• eat up
• employ
• exhaust
• expend
• obsess
• preoccupy
• spend
• waste