hunger strike

noun

: refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to sustain life
hunger striker noun

Examples of hunger strike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sliwa organized a three-day hunger strike at city hall to protest the mayor’s refusal to credit the Guardian Angels with the rescue of a transit officer from an attack at the Bowling Green subway station. Kent Russell, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 During that period, reports surfaced of hunger strikes, lockdowns lasting over 21 hours, a lack of mental health care, and delays in providing medication. Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 In early January, activist Hidayat shared a voice note from one of the detainees, who said the men had been on hunger strike since January 10 in a desperate protest against deportation. Kocha Olarn, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025 The conditions led the men to start the hunger strike. Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hunger strike

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hunger strike was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hunger strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger%20strike. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hunger strike

noun
: refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to stay alive

More from Merriam-Webster on hunger strike

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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