Starving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฝ๏ธ
starving
[หstษห.vษชล ]
Definitions
feeling extreme hunger
Feeling extremely hungry, to the point of discomfort or weakness. It is often a result of not having eaten for a prolonged period of time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| starving |
Used to describe extreme hunger, often when someone has not eaten for a long period of time. It can also be used hyperbolically in casual conversation.
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| famished |
Used to describe being very hungry, typically in a more dramatic or emphatic way than 'hungry.' It can sound a bit dramatic or old-fashioned.
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| ravenous |
Used to describe an intense and voracious hunger. It often has a slightly dramatic tone and can imply a great appetite.
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| hungry |
The most common word to describe the desire to eat. It is neutral and used in both casual and formal situations.
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Examples of usage
- I skipped breakfast this morning and now I'm starving!
- After hiking for hours, we were all starving and couldn't wait to eat.
- She felt so starving that she could hardly concentrate on her work.
lacking in a particular nutrient or element
Deficient in a specific nutrient or element, leading to a feeling of extreme hunger or weakness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| starving |
Use when someone is extremely hungry or lacking food.
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| deficient |
Use when there is a lack of something necessary or essential.
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| deprived |
Use when someone is suffering from the lack of something important or necessary.
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| wanting |
Use to describe something that is lacking or not sufficient.
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Examples of usage
- The children in the village were often starving due to the lack of proper nutrition.
- She was advised to take vitamin supplements as she was found to be starving in iron.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- Many cultures have traditional meals specifically designed to prevent hunger, showcasing food's importance in social gatherings.
- Starvation has inspired art and literature, emphasizing its profound impact on human lives and society's moral responsibilities.
- Some communities plant special gardens with emergency crops designed to alleviate hunger during tough times.
Psychology
- Extreme hunger can affect emotions, often leading to irritability and reduced ability to concentrate.
- Studies show that hunger can distort perceptions of time, making minutes feel like hours when youโre starving.
- Feeling starved can sometimes lead to cravings for specific foods from childhood, evoking nostalgia and comfort.
Health
- Starving can lead to severe health issues, including organ failure and long-term mental health effects.
- In many cases, the body's metabolism slows down significantly under starvation, making it harder to regain health afterward.
- Proper nutrition is essential to prevent and treat the negative effects of starvation, highlighting the importance of balanced meals.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, wars and famines often resulted in widespread starvation, emphasizing the need for food security.
- Historical figures like Gandhi spoke about starvation as a form of protest, using hunger strikes to advocate for social justice.
- During the Great Depression, many experienced starvation, leading to significant changes in food assistance programs by governments.
Origin of 'starving'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'styrfan,' meaning to perish or die, mainly from lack of food.
- In its early use, the term was often linked to severe hunger that could lead to death.
- The change to modern usage happened around the 14th century, evolving to describe intense hunger.
The word 'starving' originated from the Old English word 'steorfan' which means 'to die', reflecting the extreme hunger and weakness associated with the term. Over time, it evolved to represent the feeling of extreme hunger or deficiency in nutrients. The modern usage of 'starving' dates back to the 15th century, highlighting the importance of food and nutrition in human survival.