hunger strike

noun

Synonyms of hunger strikenext
: 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 inspection followed a hunger strike by detainees, who in a letter, complained about rotten or worm-infested food, medical neglect, and being coerced into signing deportation orders. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 Earlier this year, some people held at the jail launched a hunger strike over the conditions, according to Cosecha, an immigrant advocacy group. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 The New Jersey facility has repeatedly been accused by state and local inspectors of obstructing health and safety inspections and has been the site of ongoing protests and detainee hunger strikes over food quality, overcrowding and medical care. — Emma Bussey , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The Newark detention center is among ICE facilities where conditions have reportedly been poor, sparking hunger strikes and unrest inside the facility and mass protests outside it. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for hunger strike

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Browse Nearby Words

hungerly
hunger strike
hungerweed
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Cite this Entry

“Hunger strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunger%20strike. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hunger strike

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hunger strike

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hunger strike

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