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

He learned to hate the influence of megacorporations and the culture of consuming cheap goods that he thought they fostered, and he detested the waste and pollution that came with it.

From Salon

As for managing my feelings, I’m careful and selective as to what news or information I consume.

From Salon

Both groups have pushed against bans on flavored e-cigarettes and have argued that vaping is a safer way to consume tobacco than cigarette smoking.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s still being seen as this stigmatized street drug, which is a real mismatch with how patients are actually consuming it.”

From Salon

Right now, the agency manages some naturally ignited fires rather than immediately extinguishing them so that the flames can achieve ecological benefits like consuming excess vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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