English Reference
verb · adjective

consumed

v. · adj.
US /kənˈsumd/ UK /kənsˈuːmd/ con·sumed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.used something up, or ate or drank something.

    v.the past tense of consume, indicating the act of using a resource or ingesting food or drink.

    Simple

    The family consumed all the food in the fridge over the weekend.

    In context

    The industrial sector consumed nearly forty percent of the nation's total energy output during the peak winter months.

    Usage

    As a transitive verb, it always requires a direct object representing the resource or item used.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    adj.to be completely filled with a very strong feeling like guilt, love, or anger.

    adj.completely preoccupied or overwhelmed by a specific, intense emotion or interest.

    Simple

    He was consumed by guilt after he forgot his best friend's wedding.

    In context

    She became entirely consumed by her research, often working through the night and neglecting her social obligations.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'by' or 'with'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.completely destroyed by a fire.

    v.to be completely destroyed or taken over by fire or a similar destructive force.

    Simple

    The old wooden barn was quickly consumed by the flames.

    In context

    The historic library was unfortunately consumed by the fire before the local emergency services could arrive on the scene.

The jury heard that Gartshore had consumed alcohol before the incident.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

They also experienced improved blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

ScienceDaily· 9 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated