famished

American  

[fam-isht] / ˈfæm ɪʃt /

adjective

1. extremely hungry: famished multitudes in the immediate postwar period.

   to be famished after a hike;

   famished multitudes in the immediate postwar period.

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Related Words

See hungry.

Other Word Forms

• half-famished adjective

Etymology

Origin of famished

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English; famish + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Did you just order a double cheeseburger with large fries and a liter-sized milkshake? Either you have a death wish or you're extremely hungry — famished that is. Tracing the roots of famished leads us to the Middle English word for "starve." So it's no wonder famished means absolutely starving or totally ravenous. Just think of all those poor famished people in the Middle Ages, with only porridge and vegetables to eat and not a fast food chain in sight. It's enough to make you cry...or reach for another french fry — depending on how famished you are.

Example Sentences

The district ranger was expecting the crew at his ranger station, so he and his wife treated the famished smokejumpers to a chicken dinner, ice cream and apple pie when they emerged from the backcountry.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 9, 2023

Ware is famished - her day started with 6am weight training - but after a quick glance at the burger-centric menu, she opts for a cappuccino and settles down to chat about music.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2023

In recent years, the province — one of the nation’s poorest — has suffered from a crippling drought that wilted fields and famished farm animals.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2023

In one episode, famished at a party, she leaps onto a cracker on the carpet.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2023

By the time Tali came out to the stable yard to fetch their breakfast supplies, Kaede was sweating and famished, her right shoulder aching, and still the arrow had not struck the target.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo