underfeed

verb

un·​der·​feed ˌən-dər-ˈfēd How to pronounce underfeed (audio)
underfed ˌən-dər-ˈfed How to pronounce underfeed (audio) ; underfeeding

transitive verb

: to feed with too little food

Examples of underfeed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That court order stems from a legal action that the Southern Center brought against Sheriff Franklin’s predecessor, Greg Bartlett, who had been underfeeding inmates while taking $212,000 in food money for his personal use. Walt Bogdanich and Grace Ashford, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underfeed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underfeed was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near underfeed

Cite this Entry

“Underfeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underfeed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underfeed

verb
un·​der·​feed ˌən-dər-ˈfēd How to pronounce underfeed (audio)
underfed -ˈfed How to pronounce underfeed (audio) ; underfeeding
: to feed with too little food

Medical Definition

underfeed

verb
un·​der·​feed ˌən-dər-ˈfēd How to pronounce underfeed (audio)
underfed -ˈfed How to pronounce underfeed (audio) ; underfeeding

transitive verb

: to feed with too little food
an underfed woman has a higher probability of a miscarriage and of a stillbirthRose E. Frisch

intransitive verb

: to eat too little food

More from Merriam-Webster on underfeed

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