v.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' süm
Function: verb
Inflected Form: con · sumed ; con · sum · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French consumer, from Latin consumere, from com- + sumere to take up, take, from sub- up + emere to take ― more at SUB- , REDEEM
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to do away with completely : DESTROY <fire consumed several buildings>
2 a : to spend wastefully : SQUANDER b : USE UP <writing consumed much of his time>
3 a : to eat or drink especially in great quantity < consumed several bags of pretzels> b : to enjoy avidly : DEVOUR <mysteries, which she consume s for fun ― E. R. Lipson>
4 : to engage fully : ENGROSS < consumed with curiosity>
5 : to utilize as a customer < consume goods and services>
intransitive verb
1 : to waste or burn away : PERISH
2 : to utilize economic goods