Devoured: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone eats something very quickly and eagerly, often because they are very hungry. It can also be used metaphorically to show intense enthusiasm.

• He devoured the pizza in just a few minutes.
• She devoured the new book in one sitting.

A more formal term that can be used for eating or drinking, as well as using up resources. It often has a neutral tone.

• Humans need to consume a balanced diet for good health.
• The project consumed most of the available resources.

Informal and friendly, often used to encourage others to finish their food or to describe enjoyment of a meal.

• Come on, eat up before your food gets cold.
• The kids eat up the vegetables without any complaints.

Describes eating quickly and often greedily, with a less formal tone. It can have a mildly negative connotation, implying lack of manners.

• He gobbled up his meal in no time.
• The dog gobbled up the leftovers.

Refers to the act of making food or drink pass down the throat. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate accepting something difficult.

• He swallowed the pill with a glass of water.
• It was a tough decision to swallow, but necessary.

A formal and scientific term used when referring to the act of taking food or substances into the body, usually through the digestive system.

• The new medication must be ingested with plenty of water.
• Animals ingest various types of food depending on their species.