eat

[[t]it[/t]]

v. ate [[t]eɪt[/t]] esp. brit. [[t]ɛt[/t]] eat•en [[t]ˈit n[/t]] eat•ing,

1) phl to take into the mouth and swallow for nourishment; chew and swallow (food)

2) to consume gradually; wear away; corrode

3) cvb to use up, esp. wastefully (often fol. by away, into, or up):

Unexpected expenses ate up their savings[/ex]

4) to make (a hole, passage, etc.), as by gnawing or corrosion

5) to ravage or devastate

6) cvs to absorb or pay for:

The builder had to eat the cost of the repairs[/ex]

7) cvb to cause anxiety or irritation in; worry; bother:

What's eating you now?[/ex]

8) to consume food; have a meal

9) to make a way, as by gnawing or corrosion:

Acid ate through the linoleum[/ex]

10) phv eat in, to eat or dine at home

11) phv eat out, to have a meal at a restaurant rather than at home

12) phv eat up

a) to consume wholly

b) to show enthusiasm for; take pleasure in

c) to believe without question

13) inf eats, Informal. food

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE etan eat′er, n.