Meaning & Definition of word "Hunger"

Hunger

/ˈhʌŋɡər/

noun:

  • 1. A feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat.
    • Example: After skipping breakfast, I felt a strong hunger by lunchtime.
  • 2. A need or strong desire for something, often associated with an intense craving.
    • Example: His hunger for knowledge drove him to read every book he could find.
  • 3. The state of being in need of food, leading to malnutrition or starvation.
    • Example: The organization aims to alleviate hunger in underprivileged communities.

verb:

  • 1. To have a strong desire or craving for something.
    • Example: She hungers for adventure and travel.
  • 2. To suffer or die from a lack of food.
    • Example: Many animals hunger during the harsh winter months.

Etymology

Old English 'hungor', related to similar words in German and Dutch.

Common Phrases and Expressions

starving for:

Desiring something intensely, often used in relation to food.

hunger strike:

A protest in which a person refuses to eat to draw attention to a cause.

feed one's hunger:

To satisfy a craving or need.

Related Words

food:

Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink.

nutrition:

The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

satiate:

To satisfy fully.

Slang Meanings of hunger

Meaning: Hangry

Example Sentence: I'm sorry for snapping at you; I was just really hangry.

Meaning: Starving

Example Sentence: I could eat a horse; I'm starving!