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

“Emergencies are like war, famine, tornado,” Mr. Paul said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He adopts as his own, without qualms, the lies that Israel has engaged in organized famine and genocide.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although the military government has not given a reason for the expulsions, it has previously accused aid groups of breaking local laws and releasing misleading reports on famine conditions.

Read more on BBC

"Humanitarian needs in Sudan have never been greater with more than 24 million people facing acute food insecurity and communities impacted by famine," it added.

Read more on Barron's

Rebels blocked supply routes, cutting off vital food-aid deliveries and plunging the city into famine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• drought 
• misery 
• poverty 
• scarcity 
• starvation