Starved

/stɑːrvd/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to suffer or die from hunger.
The refugees starved while waiting for aid to arrive.
to deprive of food and nourishment.
The neglect caused the animals to starve in the cold winter.
to deprive of something essential.
The constant stress at work starved him of joy in his life.
adjective
suffering or dying from hunger.
After days lost in the wilderness, they were starved and weak.
extremely lacking in something necessary or desirable.
The artist felt starved for inspiration after a long creative block.

Etymology

Middle English sterven, meaning to die or perish.

Common Phrases and Expressions

starved for attention
To feel neglected and craving recognition.
starved of
To lack or be deprived of something crucial.

Related Words

hunger
A strong desire or need for food.
famine
Extreme scarcity of food affecting a large population.

Slang Meanings

Hangry
I get so hangry when I'm starved.
Starv'd
I'm definitely starv'd after that long meeting.