Malnourish: meaning, definitions and examples
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malnourish
[ mælˈnʌrɪʃ ]
health condition
To malnourish someone means to cause them to suffer from malnutrition, which is a deficiency in the calories and nutrients needed for proper health. This can lead to various health problems and complications. Malnourishment can occur due to insufficient food intake, poor dietary choices, or health issues that affect nutrient absorption.
Synonyms
deprive, starve, undernourish.
Examples of usage
- The ongoing drought has malnourished many families in the region.
- Poor agricultural practices can malnourish entire communities.
- Children in war-torn areas are often malnourished due to lack of resources.
Etymology
The term 'malnourish' has its origins in the early 20th century, with the prefix 'mal-' derived from Latin, meaning 'bad' or 'poor', and 'nourish' coming from the Latin 'nutrire', meaning 'to feed'. The concept of malnutrition emerged as a significant issue in public health discussions as it became evident that lack of proper nutrition could lead not only to individual health problems but also to broader societal issues. The first documented uses of the term corresponded with heightened awareness of nutrition programs and dietary guidelines aimed at improving health outcomes, especially in disadvantaged populations. Over the years, the understanding of malnourishment has evolved to include not only undernourishment but also overnourishment, highlighting the complexity of dietary issues in contemporary society.