fast
n. countable A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈfæst// UK //fˈɑːst// fast
n. a period of time when you do not eat any food, or only eat very little. People often do this for health reasons or because of their religion.
n. an act or period of abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance or medical requirement.
The doctor asked me to complete a twelve-hour fast before the blood test.
After a long fast during the religious holiday, the family gathered for a large celebratory meal at sunset.
Clinical studies suggest that a supervised fast can trigger metabolic changes that may improve insulin sensitivity in certain patients.
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'break' or 'start'.