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.
The group vowed on Friday, July 25, to go on a hunger strike if Israel intercepts their boat. Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 27 July 2025 Several ex-detainees who spoke to CNN in recent days gave similar accounts, alleging that they were frequently beaten by guards and even shot with rubber bullets for staging a hunger strike. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 Such conditions have led detainees to stage a hunger strike. Time, 17 July 2025 After one hunger strike, the late Cuban cardinal Jaime Ortega visited him at the prison in 2012, raising hopes the Catholic Church could help bring about his release. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hunger strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger%20strike. Accessed 3 Aug. 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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