hunger strike

¹ American  

noun

1. a deliberate refusal to eat, undertaken in protest against imprisonment, improper treatment, objectionable conditions, etc.

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hunger-strike ² American  

[huhng-ger-strahyk] / ˈhʌŋ gərˌstraɪk /

verb (used without object)

hunger-struck, hunger-striking

1. to go on a hunger strike.

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hunger strike British  

noun

1. a voluntary fast undertaken, usually by a prisoner, as a means of protest

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Other Word Forms

• hunger striker noun

Etymology

Origin of hunger strike¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Origin of hunger-strike²

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

She had joined a hunger strike starting on February 14 demanding the quick passage of the amnesty bill, which faced repeated delays since Rodriguez proposed it late last month.

From Barron's

The doctor, Arreaza, said he had been denied permission to go inside to check on the prisoners, and it was not clear whether any of them were also on hunger strike.

From Barron's

Activists say the health of some relatives who have gone on hunger strike to demand the release of their loved ones is quickly deteriorating.

From BBC

But she added that Panahi, "who wrote this script in prison in Iran, who went on hunger strike," has highlighted "space... for reconciliation with his executioner."

From Barron's

The Narges Foundation, which supports her, described the hearing on Saturday as a "sham" and explained she had begun a hunger strike on 2 February.

From BBC

Related Words

• fasting