devour

[dɪˈvaʊə(r)]

devour Definition

  • 1to eat something quickly and eagerly
  • 2to read or look at something with great interest and enthusiasm

Using devour: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devour" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The hungry dog devoured the steak in seconds.

  • Example

    She devoured the book in one sitting.

  • Example

    The fire devoured the entire building.

  • Example

    He devoured the scenery with his eyes.

devour Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for devour

Idioms Using devour

  • a fire that spreads quickly and destroys everything in its path

    Example

    The forest fire was a devouring flame that left nothing but ash in its wake.

  • to criticize or attack someone harshly and relentlessly

    Example

    The boss was known to devour employees alive if they made a mistake.

  • to be very successful and defeat all competitors

    Example

    The new company was able to devour the competition and become the leader in the industry.

Phrases with devour

  • to look at someone or something with great interest and admiration

    Example

    She saw the painting and devoured it with her eyes.

  • to read a book quickly and with great enthusiasm

    Example

    I devoured the latest novel by my favorite author in just two days.

  • to eat a meal quickly and with great enthusiasm

    Example

    After a long day of hiking, we devoured the hot meal that was waiting for us.

Origins of devour

from Old French 'devorer', from Latin 'devorare', from 'de-' (down) + 'vorare' (to swallow)

📌

Summary: devour in Brief

To 'devour' [dɪˈvaʊə(r)] means to eat or consume something quickly and eagerly, or to read or look at something with great interest and enthusiasm. It can refer to physical consumption, as in 'The hungry dog devoured the steak in seconds,' or intellectual consumption, as in 'She devoured the book in one sitting.' 'Devour' is often used in idioms like 'devour the competition,' meaning to be very successful and defeat all competitors.

How do native speakers use this expression?