devours; devoured; devouring
1
: to quickly eat all of (something) especially in a way that shows that you are very hungry
He devoured everything on his plate.
The lions devoured their prey.
2
: to enjoy (something) in a way that shows you are excited about it: such as
a
: to read (something) quickly and with much enthusiasm
She devoured every golf magazine she could find.
b
: to look at (something) with much enjoyment or enthusiasm
He watched intently, devouring the scene before him with his eyes.
3
: to destroy (something) completely
The forest was devoured [=consumed] by fire.
4
of an emotion
: to greatly affect or control (someone)
Jealousy devoured [=consumed] him.
—usually used as (be) devouredShe was devoured by guilt/remorse.
Cite this Entry
“Devour.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/devour. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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