Famishment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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famishment

[ˈfæmɪʃmənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of extreme hunger

Famishment is the state of being extremely hungry, to the point of feeling weak or lightheaded. It is a severe form of hunger that can lead to physical discomfort and even health problems if not addressed.

Synonyms

hunger, malnutrition, starvation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
famishment	Typically used in literary or dramatic contexts to describe extreme hunger and the physical effects of not having enough food. The villagers' faces showed the clear signs of famishment.
starvation	Describes a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake; it is often used in severe, urgent contexts and can have a negative connotation. The drought led to widespread starvation in the region. Rescue efforts are underway to prevent the affected population from succumbing to starvation.
hunger	General term for the feeling of needing or wanting food; can be used in everyday conversation. It does not necessarily imply extreme deprivation. I feel a bit of hunger before lunch every day. Their campaign aims to end child hunger in the community.
malnutrition	Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe poor health due to not having the right nutrients in one's diet. The doctor diagnosed him with malnutrition due to a lack of essential vitamins. Efforts are being made globally to combat malnutrition in developing countries.

Examples of usage

I had skipped breakfast and by midday, I was experiencing famishment.
After days of being lost in the wilderness, the hiker reached a point of famishment.
She could no longer ignore the famishment gnawing at her stomach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

Throughout history, famishment has often been linked to natural disasters, wars, and famines that decimated crops.
In ancient civilizations, severe famishment could change the balance of power, leading to migrations and societal shifts.
Famous famines, such as those in Ireland during the 19th century, have had lasting impacts on population demographics.

Psychology

Chronic famishment can lead to psychological effects, including depression and anxiety due to stress about food scarcity.
The feeling of famishment can trigger survival instincts, altering behavior and decision-making.
Studies show that people experiencing extreme hunger may develop obsessional thoughts about food, impacting mental health.

Current Relevance

Despite advancements in technology, famishment remains a problem in many parts of the world, exacerbated by conflicts and climate change.
Food insecurity is a major global issue, where millions live in the shadow of famishment despite living in food-rich nations.
Various organizations work to combat famishment through food distribution and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Origin of 'famishment'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'famin', which relates to the Latin 'fames', meaning hunger.
Its roots suggest a connection between physical suffering and an intense lack of food.
The term has been in use since the 14th century, describing severe hunger.

The word 'famishment' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'faim' meaning hunger. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to the extreme state of hunger. Famishment has been used in literature and poetry to portray the intense human experience of hunger and deprivation.