Consume

/kənˈsjuːm/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To use up..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To use up.
2. (transitive) To eat.
3. (transitive) To completely occupy the thoughts or attention of.
4. (transitive) To destroy completely.
5. (intransitive, obsolete) To waste away slowly.
6. (economics, transitive, intransitive) To trade money for good or services as an individual.
7. (transitive) To absorb information, especially through the mass media.

Example Sentences

The power plant consumes 30 tons of coal per hour.

Baby birds consume their own weight in food each day.

Concerns were raised around the ability of Milky Way species to consume proteins from Andromeda, so seed banks formed a significant part of the arks' cargo. We now know it is safe to consume food grown or hunted here, though enzyme supplements are recommended and have become a social norm at mealtimes.

Desire consumed him.

The building was consumed by fire.

If he were putting to my house the brand / That shall consume it.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through to steal: […]

Therefore, let Benedick, like cover'd fire, / Consume away in sighs.

Synonyms for consume

Antonyms for consume

Related Words

Word Forms

• consumes
• consuming
• consumed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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