Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To consume as nourishment; to eat or take in as food.
   • To derive support, energy, or sustenance from something non-physical, such as ideas, emotions, or situations.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To use something as a source of nourishment or sustenance.

Usage

• The phrase "feed upon" is used to describe the action of taking something in for growth, energy, or maintenance. It can be applied to both literal consumption (by animals, plants, or machines) and figurative consumption (by minds, emotions, or processes).
• It often implies a dependent or sustaining relationship where one entity relies on another.

Examples

• Literal (Biological):
  • Mosquito larvae feed upon microorganisms in the water.
  • This species of fungus feeds upon decaying wood.
• Figurative (Abstract):
  • Rumors feed upon public fear and uncertainty.
  • His creativity feeds upon solitude and quiet observation.

Advanced Usage

• "to feed upon itself": Describes a process that generates its own growth or continuation, often in a negative or cyclical way.
  • The panic in the crowd began to feed upon itself, leading to chaos.
• In a psychological or social context, it can describe unhealthy dependencies.
  • Her anxiety seemed to feed upon every small setback.

Variants and Related Words

• Feed on: A more common variant with identical meaning. ("The cattle feed on grass.")
• Prey upon: Often used when the consumption involves hunting or victimization. ("Hawks prey upon small rodents.")
• Subsist on: Emphasizes barely maintaining life or existence. ("They subsist on a diet of rice and beans.")
• Depend on: A more general term for reliance. ("The project depends on continued funding.")

Synonyms

• Consume
• Devour
• Draw nourishment from
• Thrive on
• Live on

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Feed off (of): Very similar to "feed upon," often used figuratively.
  • The comedian fed off the energy of the live audience.
• Feed into: To contribute to a larger system or process.
  • All the data feeds into the central computer for analysis.

Related Idioms

• To be food for thought: Something that provides mental sustenance for consideration.
  • His challenging question gave us plenty of food for thought.
• To chew on: To think deeply about something.
  • I'll need some time to chew on that idea before I decide.

Verb

1. be sustained by
   • He fed on the great ideas of her mentor