hunger strike

¹

noun

1. a deliberate refusal to eat, undertaken in protest against imprisonment, improper treatment, objectionable conditions, etc.

hunger-strike

²

[ huhng-ger-strahyk ]

verb (used without object)

, hun·ger-struck, hun·ger-strik·ing.

1. to go on a hunger strike.

hunger strike

noun

1. a voluntary fast undertaken, usually by a prisoner, as a means of protest

Derived Forms

• hunger striker, noun

Other Words From

• hunger striker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunger strike¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Origin of hunger strike²

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Ultimately, much of the material in the book, including Hughes’ cinematic escape from prison and multiple grueling hunger strikes, was cut so that the Price sisters’ journey of radicalization and regret would take center stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the past three years, there have been multiple hunger strikes on the island, and numerous incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts after which some people have been transferred to Rwanda for medical care.

From BBC

This year’s protests began in April, in the Canary Islands, and included a hunger strike by six protesters in Tenerife in an attempt to halt two major tourism projects on the island.

From BBC

Before beginning his hunger strike, Mr Wangchuk and his supporters walked for hundreds of kilometres from Ladakh to reach capital Delhi.

From BBC

His mother’s hunger strike – she’s surviving on water, rehydration salts and sugarless tea or coffee - is a sign of his family’s increasing desperation.

From BBC

Related Words

• fasting