starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of starving
2
: the state of being starved

Examples of starvation in a Sentence

The famine brought mass starvation. Millions of people face starvation every day.
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.
Da Silva explained that, during chronic starvation, the body tries to adapt to very low levels of insulin, vitamins, and minerals. Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025 During eighteen months in 1896 and 1897, more than 225,000 reconcentrados died from disease and starvation. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 Any pause in the killing and starvation of Gaza must be welcomed. Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The Egyptian Red Crescent plans to deliver 9,000 tons of aid into Gaza after scenes of devastation and starvation sparked global outrage. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for starvation

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of starvation was in 1762

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Starvation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starvation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

starvation

noun
star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
: the act or an instance of starving : the state of being starved

Medical Definition

starvation

noun
star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of starving
2
: the state of being starved
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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