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Devour

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To eat something eagerly and in large amounts, often in a way that suggests hunger or greed.
2. To consume or destroy something completely, often with great intensity.
3. To read, watch, or consume something with great enthusiasm or interest.

History and Origin

The word “devour” comes from the Latin devorare, meaning “to swallow whole,” formed from de- (down) and vorare (to swallow). The term entered Middle English in the 14th century, initially referring to the act of eating greedily, and it gradually expanded to encompass more figurative meanings, such as consuming with passion or intensity.

Detailed Explanation

“Devour” typically refers to the act of consuming something quickly and voraciously, especially food, as if driven by hunger or a strong desire. It can describe a literal action, such as eating a meal rapidly, or a more figurative one, such as devouring a book or an idea with intense interest. In a broader sense, it may describe the total consumption or destruction of something, such as a fire devouring a forest or a disease devouring a population. The word often carries a sense of urgency or intensity, suggesting an insatiable need or desire.

Example Sentences

1. The wolf devoured its prey in a matter of seconds.
2. He devoured the novel in just one sitting, unable to put it down.
3. The flames devoured the entire building, leaving nothing but ashes.
4. She devoured the rich chocolate cake with delight.
5. The city was devoured by the floodwaters after the heavy rains.
6. The child devoured his lunch in a matter of minutes.
7. They devoured the movie, completely captivated by the plot.
8. The fire was so fierce it seemed to devour everything in its path.
9. The book was so engaging that I devoured every page, wanting to know what happened next.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Consume – To use up or eat something completely, often with enthusiasm.
2. Ingest – To take in food or drink, often referring to the act of swallowing.
3. Gobble – To eat quickly and greedily, often in a noisy manner.
4. Engulf – To surround or consume something completely, often used for large-scale destruction.
5. Absorb – To take something in, often in an intense or all-encompassing way.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Feast – A large and indulgent meal, often associated with eating in excess.
2. Gorge – To eat greedily or to excess, often implying overeating.
3. Swallow – To cause or allow something to pass down the throat, usually associated with eating or drinking.
4. Engagement – The state of being involved or captivated, often in the context of consuming media or ideas.
5. Ravenous – Extremely hungry or eager to consume something.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Devastate – To destroy or overwhelm something completely.
2. Destroy – To put an end to something by breaking it down completely.
3. Crush – To break something into pieces, often implying total destruction.
4. Ravage – To cause severe damage to something, often used to describe destructive forces.
5. Consume – To use up resources or energy, often to the point of depletion.

Antonyms

1. Save
2. Conserve
3. Preserve
4. Protect
5. Restrain