famine

[fam-in]

noun

1. extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area.

2. any extreme and general scarcity.

   Synonyms: scantness, meagerness, poverty, paucity, dearth

3. extreme hunger; starvation.

famine

/ ˈfæmɪn /

noun

1. a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation

2. acute shortage of anything

3. violent hunger

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, derivative of faim “hunger,” from Latin famēs; famish

Word History and Origins

Origin of famine¹

C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs hunger

Idioms and Phrases

see feast or famine.

Example Sentences

In the past the CDC has been instrumental in global health, leading the response to crises from famine, to HIV, to Ebola.

From BBC

The situation in the camp was already so bad that a famine had been declared there.

From BBC

The vote on the Sanders resolution also took place at an especially visceral moment of Israel’s assault on Gaza, with images of starving children going viral and the international media reporting on a looming famine.

From Salon

A report by the world's leading hunger monitor at the end of August stated that half a million people in Gaza City are suffering from famine.

From BBC

This comes as the IDF expands its operation – launching a massive assault on Gaza City despite widespread international and domestic opposition – and the primary UN-backed global hunger monitor confirms a famine in the territory.

From BBC

Related Words

• drought 
• misery 
• poverty 
• scarcity 
• starvation