devour

/dɪˈvaʊər/
verbIntermediate
informal

To eat something very quickly and greedily

He devoured the pizza as if he hadn't eaten in days.

He ate the pizza very quickly and eagerly.

She devoured the book in one sitting.

She read the book very quickly and eagerly.

💡

Can also be used metaphorically to describe consuming something (like information) eagerly.

Collocations

devour somethingeat something quickly and greedilydevour informationconsume information eagerly

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

devour with one's eyesphrase
to look at something with great desire or hunger

💡Pro Tip

Metaphorical Use

The word 'devour' can be used metaphorically to describe consuming information or media quickly, not just food.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use 'devour' when describing eating with great speed or hunger, or when describing the eager consumption of something non-physical.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English devouren, from Old French devorer, from Latin devorare, from de- (intensifier) + vorare (to devour).

📝Usage Notes

Often used to describe eating with great speed or hunger, but can also be used metaphorically for consuming information or media quickly.

Word Breakdown

de-
intensifier
prefix
+
-vor
to devour
root
+
-are
verb suffix
suffix
English Dictionary