starvation
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //stɑɹˈveɪʃən// UK //stɑːvˈeɪʃən// star·va·tion
n. the state of suffering or dying because you do not have enough food to eat. It is the most extreme form of hunger.
n. a state of extreme suffering or death resulting from a severe lack of food. Often used in political or medical contexts to describe systemic food insecurity.
The animals died of starvation during the long, cold winter.
The charity is working hard to prevent starvation in the region after the crops failed for the third year.
Prolonged starvation triggers a series of metabolic adaptations as the body attempts to preserve vital organ function by consuming its own fat and muscle tissues.
From starve + -ation.
Usage
Frequently appears in the phrase 'die of starvation' or 'on the brink of starvation'.