consume

[kuhn-soom]

verb (used with object)

consumed, consuming 

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)

consumed, consuming 

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

Other Word Forms

• half-consumed adjective
• overconsume verb
• preconsume verb (used with object)
• unconsumed adjective
• underconsume verb (used with object)
• consumingly adverb
• consuming adjective

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

It is unclear whether the contamination was intentional or accidental, and people are being asked to avoid consuming drinks without labels, safety seals or tax stamps.

From BBC

"So I started trying to find high-protein alternatives to things I was already consuming," she explains.

From BBC

While many remember it for being predicated upon shaky documents, it was also incredibly prophetic about the future media landscape: One that’s rapidly consumed by corporate interests, political pressure and the erosion of editorial independence.

From Salon

Bellamy has always watched and analysed football obsessively - from the World Cups he followed as a boy to the endless hours of opposition footage that he consumes as a coach.

From BBC

The report also found that many journalists no longer reported threats due to "time consuming processes and lack of action or positive outcome".

From BBC

Related Words

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