famine

[ fam-in ]

noun

1. extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area.
2. any extreme and general scarcity.

   Synonyms: scantness, meagerness, poverty, paucity, dearth

3. extreme hunger; starvation.

famine

/ ˈfæmɪn /

noun

1. a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation
2. acute shortage of anything
3. violent hunger

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, derivative of faim “hunger,” from Latin famēs; famish

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs hunger

Idioms and Phrases

see feast or famine .

Example Sentences

In 1984, the song, accompanied by wrenching famine images, simplified a complex crisis, reducing the nation’s historical, cultural and religious identity to a caricature of despair for Western audiences.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of Gaza is now uninhabitable and on the brink of famine.

From Salon

However, he said the song was not about portraying Africa in a negative light, but was trying to show the real-life consequences "of famine, of war, of conflict".

From BBC

The original single was written and released in 1984 in response to harrowing news images of famine in northern Ethiopia.

From Salon

“It’s facing this crisis of protection, including an epidemic of sexual violence, as well as the spectre of famine.”

From BBC

Related Words

• drought
• misery
• poverty
• scarcity
• starvation