starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of starving

2

: the state of being starved

Examples of starvation in a Sentence

The famine brought mass starvation.

Millions of people face starvation every day.

Recent Examples on the Web

Famine Early Warning System Network The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS Net) projects that without a shift in Israeli policy, deaths from starvation and related illnesses in northern Gaza could climb to as many as 15 per day between next month and March. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Tens of thousands are suffering starvation and malnutrition, with children dying almost daily, according to aid groups. —Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024

This means that smaller and less aggressive deer, such as fawns, might be left with nothing, increasing their risk of starvation. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

If anything, Israel is being blamed for Hamas’s starvation of its own population. —Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing starvation

• starvation diet
• starvation wages

Kids Definition

starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən 

: the act or an instance of starving : the state of being starved

Medical Definition

starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of starving

2

: the state of being starved