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.
He was released following a hunger strike and a successful appeal that got the original charges thrown out. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026 Last year, more than a dozen students and faculty members participated in a hunger strike for divestment. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 14 June 2026 Hundreds of detainees were on a hunger strike, asking for unspoiled food, medical care, and an end to punitive transfers, among other demands. — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Panahi was released from his latest stint in jail in February 2023 after going on hunger strike. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 June 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

Rhymes for hunger strike

See All Rhymes for hunger strike

Browse Nearby Words

hungerly
hunger strike
hungerweed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hunger strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger%20strike. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hunger strike

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hunger strike

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hunger strike

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