Devour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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devour
[dɪˈvaʊər ]
Definition
Context #1 | Verb
eating quickly
To devour means to eat something quickly and eagerly. It can also mean to consume something entirely or destructively. This word is often used to describe animals eating their prey or people eating a large meal very quickly.
Synonyms
consume, eat up, gobble up, ingest.
Examples of usage
- He devoured the entire pizza in just a few minutes.
- The tiger devoured its prey in a matter of seconds.
- She devoured the book in one sitting.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Eating quickly and greedily can provide a temporary sense of pleasure, often linked to cravings or emotional needs.
- Rushed eating often leads to increased sensations of hunger shortly after, prompting a cycle of overeating.
- Mindful eating practices suggest slowing down consumption to enhance the enjoyment of food and improve digestion.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters may 'devour' books, symbolizing their intense thirst for knowledge.
- Metaphorically, authors often describe emotions or experiences as being 'devoured' to convey deep, consuming passion.
- Many fables feature characters that devour not just food, but life experiences, reflecting their voracious nature.
Pop Culture
- In film and media, the idea of a monster that devours its prey is a common trope in horror stories.
- Food challenge shows often showcase contestants who try to devour massive amounts of food in a limited time.
- The term is used in video games too, where characters might 'devour' enemies or resources to gain power.
Culinary Arts
- Devouring a meal can sometimes imply it was so delicious that it disappears in minutes!
- In many cultures, sharing a meal and devouring it together symbolizes camaraderie and community.
- Cookbooks sometimes describe their recipes as meals people will want to devour, urging chefs to create enticing dishes.
Origin of 'devour'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'devorare', meaning to 'consume' or 'eat up'.
- In Old French, the term 'devorer' was used in literature to describe a fierce appetite.
- The combination of Latin roots 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'vorare' meaning 'to swallow' gives it a strong meaning.
The word 'devour' originated from the Latin word 'devorare', which means 'to swallow down, gulp down'. It has been in use in the English language since the 14th century. Over the years, the word has retained its meaning of consuming something quickly or destructively.