What does ingurgitate mean?
Ingurgitate means to eat or swallow with greedy appetite, and, by extension, to consume or absorb something in excessive amounts. Its literal sense suggests taking in a large quantity of food quickly and voraciously. The verb can also describe a person or organization that absorbs resources, money, or opportunities without restraint. Although its meaning is straightforward, ingurgitate is notably formal and literary, so modern speakers usually choose words such as “gorge,” “devour,” or “swallow” in ordinary conversation. The word’s unusual sound is part of its character: it vividly suggests the gulping and gurgling associated with eating too quickly, while its Latin origin gives it an elevated, precise tone. It is consequently especially useful in formal prose when the intention is to emphasize greed, excess, or indiscriminate consumption.
To eat or swallow greedily; to gorge oneself with food or drink.
"The travelers ingurgitated their provisions as soon as they reached camp."
Formal and literary; uncommon in everyday speech.
To consume, absorb, or take in a large amount, especially greedily or without restraint.
"The rapidly growing market quickly ingurgitated the company’s entire output."
Figurative use is typically formal and may suggest wasteful or indiscriminate consumption.
Ingurgitate belongs to a family of words built on the image of the gurgling stomach: even its formal name preserves the sound of swallowing too quickly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ingurgitate
Ingurgitate comes from the Latin verb ingurgitare, meaning “to swallow greedily.” It was formed from the prefix in- and a root associated with the throat, belly, or swallowing, related to Latin gurges, “throat” or “gurgle.” The word entered English during the early 17th century, when it was used especially in medical and literary contexts. Its modern sense preserves the original emphasis on greedy or excessive consumption.
Related word forms
How ingurgitate is actually used
This is a formal, literary, and somewhat archaic verb. It is uncommon in everyday speech, and its figurative use is usually more readily encountered than its literal use.
Easily confused with ingurgitate
Gurgle describes the sound or movement of liquid bubbling, whereas ingurgitate means to swallow greedily.
Gorge is a common modern verb for eating greedily, while ingurgitate is a more formal and less frequent equivalent.