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

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

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

"We have real concerns about the risk of people consuming potentially much more potent or more toxic substances than they might be expecting from consuming a herbal cannabis-based product," he added.

From BBC

Up to a third of UK children are thought to consume these types of drinks every week, despite most supermarkets having already introduced a voluntary ban.

From BBC

And the administration’s relentless immigrant raids are consuming the time, attention and resources of unions, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Hostess is urging consumers who purchased the recalled products not to consume them and instead, return them to their place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

From Salon

In 2016 it was made illegal to supply or import nitrous oxide if it was likely to be consumed for its psychoactive effect, and in 2023 it was made a class C drug.

From BBC

Related Words

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