starve
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //stɑrv//
KK: /stɑrv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To experience extreme hunger or to suffer from not having enough food for a long time.
Example
Many people around the world starve due to lack of access to food.
Tense Forms
Past: starved
Past Participle: starved
Conversation
I'm so hungry, I feel like I'm going to starve soon!
Why didn't you eat anything before coming here?
I was too busy and didn't have time, but I really can't starve like this.
Let's grab a bite to eat then; we can't let you go hungry!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hunger
famine
deprive
Antonyms
feast
satiate
nourish
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone or something suffer from lack of food or to deprive them of food.
Example
The harsh winter conditions caused many animals to starve.
Tense Forms
Past: starved
Past Participle: starved
Conversation
I can't believe they would actually starve those animals like that.
It's really sad and inhumane; they deserve better care.
Exactly, it just shows how some people can be so cruel.
Root Explanation
Starve originates from Old English 'styrfan', meaning to die or perish, particularly from lack of food. The word reflects the state of suffering due to extreme hunger.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone perishing ('styrfan') from lack of food — that's why starve means to suffer from hunger.
Visually Confused Words
tarve
stave
bestarve
swarve
strove
strive
strave
sterve