consume
word
Definition
To eat or drink something, or to use up a resource like time, energy, or fuel. Can also mean to completely absorb someone's attention or to destroy something entirely (e.g., fire consuming a building).
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'eat' or 'drink' — commonly seen on product labels, health articles, and legal contexts ('not fit for human consumption'). 'Consumed by/with' + emotion means overwhelmed: 'consumed with guilt.' 'Consumer' (noun) is a key economics term. Common collocations: 'consume energy,' 'consume resources,' 'consumed by fire.'
Example Sentences
We need to find ways to consume less energy without sacrificing comfort.
natural
He was consumed with jealousy when he saw her talking to his best friend.
natural
Americans consume more sugar than any other country.
basic
This old car consumes too much fuel.
basic
The fire consumed the entire forest in hours.
basic
She was so consumed by work that she forgot to eat lunch.
natural