starve
word
Definition
To die because you do not have enough food, or to suffer greatly from not having enough food. It is also used informally to mean being extremely hungry.
Usage & Nuances
The literal meaning is serious and often appears in news, history, or humanitarian contexts. In everyday speech, people often say 'I'm starving' just to mean 'I'm very hungry'; this is common but informal. Common patterns: 'starve to death', 'starve for food/attention', and 'be starving'.
Example Sentences
Without rain, the animals may starve.
basic
Many people starved during the war.
basic
I forgot lunch, and now I'm starving.
basic
These budget cuts will starve public schools of resources.
natural
I've been starving for a decent cup of coffee all day.
natural
If we skip dinner again, the kids will say we're starving them.
natural