WordLens

starve

1 of 1verb
/stɑrv/
Forms:starves,starving,starved,starved
1

to be very hungry

  • After skipping breakfast, I was starving by lunchtime.
  • He didn't eat all day and was starving by the time dinner arrived.
  • I haven't had anything to eat since this morning, I'm starving!
  • After the long hike, they were starving and eager to find food.
  • I thought I could skip lunch, but now I'm starving.
Synonyms:
hungerfamish
Antonyms:
be full
2

to die from lack of food

B2
  • During the famine, many people in the region starved due to lack of food and resources.
  • The humanitarian organization provided emergency relief to communities at risk of starving.
  • Animals in the drought-affected area were starving because of the lack of grazing land.
  • The hikers were stranded for days and feared they might starve before being rescued.
  • The poor animals were left to starve after their owners abandoned them.
Synonyms:
famish
3

to deprive someone or something of food

transitive
  • Animals in captivity may suffer if they are starved or not provided with sufficient food.
  • The captives were cruelly treated and deliberately starved in the prison camps.
  • The cruel ruler would often use food as a means of punishment, choosing to starve dissenters.
  • Neglecting to provide adequate care, some pet owners unintentionally starve their animals.
Synonyms:
famish
Antonyms:
feed
4

to suffer great need or deprivation, typically of something essential, such as resources or care

  • The city starved for basic supplies during the blockade.
  • The family starved for love and affection after the loss of their father.
  • The children starved for the guidance they once received from their mentor.
  • The workers starved for decent working conditions and fair wages.
  • The soldiers starved for rest during their long deployment.
Synonyms:
hungercravelustthirst
5

to deprive someone of attention, resources, affection, etc.

transitive
  • The company starved its employees of the resources needed to succeed.
  • The artist’s creativity was starved by the constant pressure of deadlines.
  • The team's morale was starved by the lack of recognition for their hard work.
  • He was starved of opportunities for advancement in the company.
  • The plants were starved of water during the dry spell.