devours

verb

1. 1

   To eat quickly, greedily, hungrily, or ravenously.

2. 2

   To rapidly destroy, engulf, or lay waste.

   “The fire was devouring the building.”

3. 3

   To take in avidly with the intellect or with one's gaze.

   “She intended to devour the book.”

4. 4

   To absorb or engross the mind fully, especially in a destructive manner.

   “After the death of his wife, he was devoured by grief.”