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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Without these helpful algae, the corals become pale and are vulnerable to starvation and disease. Reuters, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Furthermore, as significant agricultural damage, livestock losses, and mining and water contamination complicate the crisis, the fear of starvation and famine continues to loom. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Mélissa Russo and Julie Lejeune, who were just eight years old, died of starvation and dehydration, while An Marchal, 17, and Eefje Lambrecks, 19, were buried alive. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2024 No food has entered northern Gaza since the start of October, putting 1 million people at risk of starvation, the World Food Programme told CNN last week. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near starvation

Cite this Entry

“Starvation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starvation. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

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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