devote

Etymology

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.

verb

  1. to give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter
    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
    a leafless and simple branch […] devoted to the purpose of climbing 1879, Asa Gray, Botanical Text-book
  2. to consign over; to doom
    to devote one to destruction
    The city was devoted to the flames.
  3. to execrate; to curse

adj

  1. (obsolete) devoted; addicted; devout

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