hunger

[ huhng-ger ]

noun

1. a compelling need or desire for food.
2. the painful sensation or state of weakness caused by the need of food:

   to collapse from hunger.

3. a shortage of food; famine.
4. a strong or compelling desire or craving:

   hunger for power.

   Synonyms: itch, lust, greed, appetite

verb (used without object)

1. to feel hunger; be hungry.
2. to have a strong desire.

verb (used with object)

1. Rare. to subject to hunger; starve.

hunger

/ ˈhʌŋɡə /

noun

1. a feeling of pain, emptiness, or weakness induced by lack of food
2. an appetite, desire, need, or craving

   hunger for a woman

verb

1. to have or cause to have a need or craving for food
2. intr; usually foll by for or after to have a great appetite or desire (for)

Other Words From

• hunger·ing·ly adverb
• half-hungered adjective
• pre·hunger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunger¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English hungor; cognate with German Hunger

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunger¹

Old English hungor; related to Old High German hungar, Old Norse hungr, Gothic hūhrus

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. from hunger, Slang. deplorably bad; dreadful: Also strictly from hunger.

   The styles in coats this winter are from hunger.

Example Sentences

I wish this was the last time I had to worry about hunger and bombs.

From The Daily Beast

World peace, religious tolerance, and an end to global poverty, hunger, and disease.

From The Daily Beast

His hunger strike in December 2011 received nation-wide recognition and was one of the sparks that ignited the protest movement.

From The Daily Beast

While in pre-trial detention, Krivov undertook two hunger strikes.

From The Daily Beast

Now Jena Malone is 30, and with roles in Inherent Vice, The Hunger Games, and a massive superhero film, all the rage.

From The Daily Beast

It was he who first said, If thine enemy hunger give him food, if he thirst give him drink.

From Project Gutenberg

Or, if I escaped these dangers for a day or two, what could I expect but a miserable death of cold and hunger?

From Project Gutenberg

Jacob robbed his brother of his birthright by trading on his hunger; Joseph robbed a whole people in the same way.

From Project Gutenberg

Hunger had to be satisfied, however, and I had to swallow my pride and my five-pennyworth.

From Project Gutenberg

To obtain the necessaries of life they endure cold and hunger in an extraordinary manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• craving
• desire
• famine
• greed
• longing
• lust
• starvation
• yearning