To destroy by separating into parts which cannot be reunited, as by decomposition, burning, or eating; devour; use up; wear out; hence, destroy the substance of; annihilate.
Specifically To destroy by use; dissipate or wear out (a thing) by applying it to its natural or intended use: as, only a, small part of the produce of the West is consumed there; in an unfavorable sense, waste; squander: as, to consume an estate.
To cause to waste away; make thin.
To bring to utter ruin; exterminate.
To make use of; employ the whole of; fill out; spend: with reference to time.
Synonyms Devour, etc. (see eat); swallow up, use up, engulf, absorb, lavish, dissipate, exhust.
To waste (away); become wasted or attenuated.
To be destroyed as by use, burning, etc: as, the fire was lighted, and the wood consumed away.