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Famished - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Famished means extremely hungry, often to the point of weakness or discomfort. It is a stronger term than simply feeling hungry and emphasizes intense need for food.

famished

/ˈfæmɪʃt/ /ˈfæmɪʃt/

Definition:

Extremely hungry, often to the point of weakness or distress.

Synonyms:

Starving, ravenous, hungry, peckish

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Full, satiated, satisfied

Common Collocations:

Famished after work, famished children, feel famished, absolutely famished

Derivatives:

Famishment (noun), famishing (verb)

Usage Tips:

Use "famished" to emphasize extreme hunger rather than mild hunger; it’s stronger than "hungry."

Common Phrases:

Famished as a wolf, famished to death, look famished

Etymology:

From Middle English "famisshen," derived from Old French "afamer," meaning "to starve."

Examples:

  • 1. The hikers were famished after their long trek through the mountains.
  • 2. She skipped lunch and felt absolutely famished by dinnertime.
  • 3. The refugees looked famished after days without proper food.
  • 4. He ate three sandwiches; he must have been famished!

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