- 1consume something to use something, especially fuel, energy, or time The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels. 25 percent of the world's population consumes 80 percent of the planet's resources.
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- 2consume something to eat or drink something Before he died he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol. a half-consumed loaf of bread
- 3consume somebody (with something) [usually passive] to fill someone with a strong feeling Carolyn was consumed with guilt. Rage consumed him.
- 4consume something (of fire) to completely destroy something The hotel was quickly consumed by fire. see consuming, consumption, time-consuming
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NAmE//kənˈsum//
(formal)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they consume he / she / it consumes
past simple consumed
-ing form consuming
Check pronunciation: consume