A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The magnesium had an unexpected beneficial effect: It "sponged out" inadvertent impurities in the tantalum and, as a result, raised the temperature at which it operates as a superconductor.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 5, 2024
Pastor Pam and Jen lowered me gently to the ground, a kneeling, knowledgeable Officer K sponged me to consciousness and remained with me until the Fire Department arrived.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 8, 2022
Maintenance and repairs sponged up dollars so fast that had lawmakers not acted, no money would have been left for new construction or even to unlock federal matching grants.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 30, 2022
She sponged the mattresses with disinfectant and, eventually, took in a stray cat to fight the rodents.
From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2022
A gray, older man, a medical officer, approached, called for water, sponged Rab’s face for him, and said he was coming to.
From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes
