Etymology 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.
1
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.
2 more examples
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 climbing1879, Asa Gray, Botanical Text-book:
Etymology 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.
A world devote to universal wrack1667, 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 Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC: