consume
UK: kənˈsjuːm | US: kənˈsuːm
vt. to use up (resources, time, or energy)
vt. to eat or drink something
vt. to destroy or overwhelm (e.g., by fire or emotion)
consume = con<together, thoroughly> + sume<take>
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "thoroughly," intensifying the action.
- sume: Derived from Latin sumere ("to take"), related to sumptio ("a taking").
Etymology Origin:
The word "consume" originates from Latin consumere ("to take completely"), combining con- (thoroughly) and sumere (to take). It initially referred to using up resources or devouring, later expanding metaphorically to destruction (e.g., fire) and emotional overwhelm. The root sume also appears in "assume" (take to oneself) and "presume" (take beforehand).
The factory consumes vast amounts of electricity daily.
He consumed a hearty meal after the long hike.
The wildfire consumed hundreds of acres within hours.
Her guilt consumed her after the mistake.
Streaming services consume significant bandwidth.