famine

[ fam-in ]

noun

1. extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area.
2. any extreme and general scarcity.

   Synonyms: scantness, meagerness, poverty, paucity, dearth

3. extreme hunger; starvation.

famine

/ ˈfæmɪn /

noun

1. a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation
2. acute shortage of anything
3. violent hunger

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, derivative of faim “hunger,” from Latin famēs; famish

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs hunger

Idioms and Phrases

see feast or famine .

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, a UN-backed assessment said there was a strong likelihood that famine was imminent in areas of northern Gaza.

From BBC

The final estimated toll of famines under Stalin came to more than 7 million of his own citizens.

From Los Angeles Times

Aid workers say the conflict has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with many thousands at risk of famine.

From BBC

A UN-backed assessment warned earlier this month that there was “strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”.

From BBC

The charity single was conceived as a way to tackle the famine that devastated Ethiopia in 1984.

From BBC

Related Words

• drought
• misery
• poverty
• scarcity
• starvation