famished

Everyday

1. (informal) Famished means very, very hungry. tree →
2. (literary) Famished can mean starving from lack of food over a long time. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk, children say «I'm famished!» after school or sport; it is a strong, slightly funny way to say hungry. In stories, famished characters show hard times or a long journey. Phrases: «absolutely famished», «I'm famished».

Examples

• I'm famished! What's for tea? tree →
• After the long hike, we were all famished. tree →
• The famished puppy gobbled its food in seconds. tree →
• He came home from rugby practice absolutely famished. tree →
• The famished travellers shared their last bread. tree →
• Don't go swimming famished; have a snack first. tree →
• This gave them new life; for the poor people were almost famished. tree →

Note

Adjective, not usually used before «very» in comparison; it already means «very hungry». Related: famine (a time when a whole area has too little food). Similar words: starving (informal), ravenous.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday talk, children say «I'm famished!» after school or sport; it is a strong, slightly funny way to say hungry. In stories, famished characters show hard times or a long journey. Phrases: «absolutely famished», «I'm famished».

Examples

• And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians: 'Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.' (Torah GEN.41.55, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore My people are gone into captivity, for want of knowledge; and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude are parched with thirst. (Prophets ISA.5.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective, not usually used before «very» in comparison; it already means «very hungry». Related: famine (a time when a whole area has too little food). Similar words: starving (informal), ravenous.