devote

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To give your time, energy, or attention fully to a person, activity, or purpose.

   They devoted their lives to helping the poor.

2. 2
   verb

   To set something aside for a particular use or purpose.

   The museum devotes a whole room to ancient Egyptian art.

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.

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