starvation

[ stahr-vey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or state of starving; condition of being starved.

adjective

1. liable or seeming to cause starving:

   a starvation diet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of starvation¹

First recorded in 1770–80; starve + -ation

Example Sentences

"The court in The Hague accuses us of a deliberate policy of starvation," the Israeli PM said.

From BBC

This system allowed the bacteria to overcome iron starvation and proliferate, even in the presence of the drug.

From Science Daily

The warrants, for alleged criminal responsibility for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war, prompted fury in Israel, which like the United States does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

From Los Angeles Times

He said Woodward was a socially awkward young man who suffered for years with undiagnosed autism and felt a “starvation for human connection” exploited by the extremist group.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said it was a “failing of the international community” that the war in Gaza had not been stopped, accusing Israel of causing starvation there.

From BBC

Related Words

• deprivation
• famine
• malnutrition