starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many of the babies born in the Magdalene Laundries, died from starvation, from the cold and from neglect. Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 The kitten was in rough shape, with an eye infection, a head wound, and obvious signs of starvation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 An Arabic language infographic on treating refeeding syndrome, a serious condition resulting from chronic starvation, was widely on social media in the wake of the prisons' opening. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 Between eighty and ninety per cent of the Syrian people are on the verge of starvation. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for starvation 

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of starvation was in 1762

Dictionary Entries Near starvation

Cite this Entry

“Starvation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starvation. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

starvation

noun
star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
: the act or an instance of starving : the state of being starved

Medical Definition

starvation

noun
star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of starving
2
: the state of being starved
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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