Hunger

Definition

Hunger typically refers to a strong desire or need for food, or a strong desire or craving for something else.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhʌŋɡər/
• Respelling: HUN-ger (with "HUN" as in "hunt" and "ger" as in "grr")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhʌŋɡə/
• Respelling: HUN-guh (with "HUN" as in "hunt" and "guh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "hunger" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HUN." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HUN-ger" or "HUN-guh."

Etymology

The word "hunger" stems from the Old English "hungor", which means "unease or pain caused by lack of food". It is related to the German "Hunger", Dutch "honger", and Gothic "hungrus".

Derivatives

• Hungry (adjective)
• Hungering (verb, present participle)
• Hungered (verb, past tense)
• Hungerer (noun)
• Hunger-strike (noun)

Synonyms

• Starvation
• Famine
• Appetite

Antonyms

• Satiety
• Fullness
• Satisfaction

Usage

Hunger is commonly used to describe the physiological state caused by the need for food. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or craving for something.

Related Terms

• Malnutrition
• Craving
• Thirst
• Desire
• Need

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physiological Need for Food: The physical sensation resulting from a lack of food, leading to the desire to eat.
  • Example: After the long hike, he felt intense hunger.

• Desire or Craving: A strong desire or craving for something, not limited to food.
  • Example: She had a hunger for knowledge that drove her to read constantly.

• State of Starvation: A prolonged state of severe lack of food intake.
  • Example: Many regions around the world are suffering from hunger due to drought and conflict.

Verb

• To Feel Hunger: To experience the physical sensation of needing food.
  • Example: The children began to hunger after missing breakfast.

• To Have a Strong Desire: To have an intense craving or desire for something.
  • Example: He hungered for success and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.

Note: "Hunger" can relate both to the physiological need for sustenance and more abstract desires or cravings. The term can describe both the sensation and the state of lacking food. In broader contexts, it can also denote a profound need or desire for something beyond just sustenance.