Starve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈstärv/

Meaning & Definition of Starve

Starve (verb)

  1. to perish from lack of food
  2. to suffer extreme hunger
  3. to die of cold

Word Forms of Starve

Inflections: starved, starving

Origin & Etymology of Starve

Middle English sterven to die, starve, from Old English steorfan to die; akin to Old High German sterban to die, and probably to Lithuanian starinti to stiffen stare

First known use: 15th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Starve

Words & Phrases Containing Starve

Frequently Asked Questions about Starve

What does "Starve" mean?

"Starve" means to perish from lack of food. As a verb, it is defined as: to perish from lack of food. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Starve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Starve" is a verb.

Is "Starve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Starve" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Starve"?

"Starve" is pronounced /ˈstärv/.

What is the origin of the word "Starve"?

"Starve" comes from Middle English sterven to die, starve, from Old English steorfan to die; akin to Old High German sterban to die, and probably to Lithuanian starinti to stiffen stare. First known use: 15th centuryi.

What CEFR level is "Starve"?

"Starve" is a B2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Starve" used in?

"Starve" is commonly used in topics such as Body & Health.

What are the forms of "Starve"?

The word forms of "Starve" include starved and starving.