B2verb2K

Starve

UK /["/stɑːv/","/stɑːvz/","/stɑːvd/","/ˈstɑːvɪŋ/"]/US /["/stɑːrv/","/stɑːrvz/","/stɑːrvd/","/ˈstɑːrvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to suffer or die because you do not have enough food to eat; to make somebody suffer or die in this way

In simple words: to not eat enough food and feel very hungry

Examples

  • Many people in the region starve due to lack of food and resources.
  • Plants will starve if they do not get enough sunlight to photosynthesize.
  • During the winter, some animals starve because food becomes scarce.
  • If the tumor is starved of nutrients, it may shrink or stop growing.
  • He would rather starve than accept unfair conditions at work.

Usage notes

Use 'starve' when referring to lack of food. In formal contexts, avoid using it to describe emotional distress. Use in situations related to hunger and survival.

Grammar pattern

starve + object

Memory hint

Starve sounds like 'starve your crave' — imagine a person ignoring their food cravings.

Collocations

  • slowly
  • literally
  • leave somebody to
  • for
  • of
  • be half starved
  • keep somebody from starving
  • starve in the streets

Synonyms

  • die of hunger
  • hunger
  • deprive
  • famish
  • fast

Antonyms

  • feed
  • nourish
  • satiate

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'starve' with 'starving' as a synonym for craving.
  • 'Starve' used as a transitive verb without an object (e.g., 'I starved').