starvation

noun

star·​va·​tion stär-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce starvation (audio)
Synonyms of starvationnext
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.
People across Sudan are not only hungry every single day, but countless people are suffering from severe malnutrition to starvation. — Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026 Some said the town was on the verge of starvation and residents were relying on homegrown produce to survive. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026 These included important reporting about resignations, behind-the-scenes arguments, and diplomatic cables about matters such as mass starvation in Gaza. — Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026 These factors have likely combined to contribute to a mass starvation event, Boland said. — Stephanie Zappelli, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing starvation

Rhymes for starvation

See All Rhymes for starvation

Browse Nearby Words

star turn
starvation
starvation diet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Starvation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starvation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on starvation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for starvation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about starvation

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