devote
to give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter; to consecrate.
Adjective
- devoted; addicted; devout
- A world devote to universal wrack - 1667, John Milton, “(please specify the page number)”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd...
Origin
Borrowed from Latin dēvōtus, past participle of Latin dēvoveō (“dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, promise solemnly”). Doublet of devow; see also devout. Displaced native Middle English ēstful, from Old English ēstful.
Forms
Verb
- to give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter; to consecrate.
- They devoted their lives to following Jesus Christ.
- I devoted this afternoon to repainting my study, and nothing will get in my way.
- He is the Chief of this far Countrey; and to his service, carnal and wicked men devote themselves. - 1678, Obadiah Grew, Meditations Upon Our Saviour's Parable of The Prodigal Son:
- to consign over; to doom
- to devote one to destruction
- The city was devoted to the flames.
- to execrate; to curse