Starving
As an Adjective
- Suffering from extreme hunger.
- Desperately needing something, such as attention or affection.
As a Verb (Present Participle of “Starve”)
- To suffer or die from lack of food.
- To deprive someone or something of necessary resources.
Word History
The word starving comes from the Old English steorfan, meaning “to die” or “perish.” Over time, its meaning narrowed to refer specifically to dying from lack of food and later expanded to describe extreme hunger or deprivation.
Examples
- (Adjective) After skipping lunch, she said, “I’m starving!”
- (Adjective) The neglected dog was starving and weak.
- (Verb) Many people are starving due to the famine.
- (Verb) Without creativity, an artist starves emotionally.
Synonyms
Famished, ravenous, malnourished, deprived, needy
Related Words
Hunger, famine, thirst, deprivation
Antonyms
Full, satisfied, nourished, well-fed
