Fasting: meaning, definitions and examples

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fasting

 

[ ˈfæstɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food deprivation

Fasting is the voluntary abstention from all or some kinds of food and drink for a specific period of time. It is often practiced for health reasons, spiritual purposes, or as part of a religious practice. Different cultures and religions have their own traditions regarding fasting.

Synonyms

abstinence, restriction, self-denial, voluntary deprivation

Examples of usage

  • Fasting can help improve mental clarity.
  • Many people fast during Ramadan.
  • Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a diet.
  • Fasting is often used to detox the body.

Translations

Translations of the word "fasting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jejum

🇮🇳 उपवासन

🇩🇪 Fasten

🇮🇩 puasa

🇺🇦 піст

🇵🇱 post

🇯🇵 断食

🇫🇷 jeûne

🇪🇸 ayuno

🇹🇷 oruç

🇰🇷 단식

🇸🇦 صيام

🇨🇿 půst

🇸🇰 pôst

🇨🇳 禁食

🇸🇮 post

🇮🇸 fasta

🇰🇿 ораш

🇬🇪 მარხვა

🇦🇿 oruç

🇲🇽 ayuno

Etymology

The word 'fasting' derives from the Old English 'fæstian', which means to fast or to hold firmly. It is related to the Old High German 'fasteo', meaning to be steadfast. The roots of the term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *fastwōną, which means to be firm or to hold. Throughout history, fasting has been a cultural and religious practice. In various religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, fasting is seen as a way to purify the body and spirit, seek closeness to the divine, and demonstrate self-discipline. The concept of fasting has also gained attention in modern health discussions, where it is often discussed in the context of weight loss and metabolic health.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,895, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.