hunger strike

noun

Synonyms of hunger strikenext
: refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to sustain life
hunger striker noun

Examples of hunger strike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No one should be responsible for another person’s well-being after being awake for 24 hours, and no one should have to risk their health on a hunger strike just to be heard. Christopher Marte, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 When hunger strikes, the nine restaurants offer a range of fare, from poolside chips and guacamole to white tablecloth filet mignon with Béarnaise sauce. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 In an attempt to force action on what protesters say is a dire health emergency in north Minneapolis, a group of four people have begun a hunger strike. Conor Wight, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 The Strike chronicles the 2013 hunger strike by 30,000 prisoners at Pelican Bay, a supermax prison notorious for its use of solitary confinement, highlighting the personal stories of the hunger strikers and the broader implications of their resistance. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hunger strike

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hunger strike was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hunger strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger%20strike. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

hunger strike

noun
: refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to stay alive

More from Merriam-Webster on hunger strike

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster