/ kənˈsjuːm; NAmE -ˈsuːm/ verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to use sth, especially fuel, energy or time :
The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels.
2.
to eat or drink sth :
Before he died he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol.
3.
consume sb (with sth) [ usually passive ] to fill sb with a strong feeling :
Carolyn was consumed with guilt.
Rage consumed him.
4.
( of fire ) to completely destroy sth :
The hotel was quickly consumed by fire.
—see also consuming , consumption , time-consuming
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin consumere , from con- altogether + sumere take up; reinforced by French consumer .