hunger strike

noun

: 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

The report recounts detainees saying that guards beat detainees in response to hunger strikes, requests for medical attention and complaints regarding detention conditions. — Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

At facilities across the country, there have been hunger strikes and protests over inhumane conditions, including rotten and inedible food, physical abuse by guards, and insufficient medical care. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Prolonged confinement made detainees more anxious and desperate, at times leading to hunger strikes and fights. — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026

Several detainees have reportedly been on a hunger strike to protest the inhumane conditions in these deplorable warehouse camps, with overcrowding, physical and psychological abuse, rancid food, scant medical care and many deaths. — Nancy Rudner, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hunger strike

• businesslike
• ladylike
• motorbike
• workmanlike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike

Kids Definition

hunger strike

noun

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