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-strike¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

It wasn’t until he went on a hunger strike that his right to legal representation was granted.

From Los Angeles Times

He went on hunger strike this March while behind bars and was later released after being pardoned by Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

From Barron's

A fourth remand detainee awaiting trial for alleged offences relating to the Palestine Action group has ended a hunger strike after more than 50 days.

From BBC

Some of the eight detainees who went on hunger strike had been charged over that incident.

From Barron's

Since the hunger strike began on 2 November, a total of seven prisoners have been taken to hospital.

From BBC

Related Words

• fasting