hunger Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
hungriness.
noun strong desire for something (not food or drink)
hungriness; thirstiness; thirst.
- a thirst for knowledge
- hunger for affection
verb feel the need to eat
verb have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
lust; starve; crave; thirst.
verb be hungry; go without food
starve; famish.
- Let's eat--I'm starving!

AS. hungor; akin to OFries. hunger, D. honger, OS. & OHG. hungar, G. hunger, Icel. hungr, Sw. & Dan. hunger, Goth. hhrus hunger, huggrjan to hunger.

An uneasy sensation occasioned normally by the want of food; a craving or desire for food. ✍ The sensation of hunger is usually referred to the stomach, but is probably dependent on excitation of the sensory nerves, both of the stomach and intestines, and perhaps also on indirect impressions from other organs, more or less exhausted from lack of nutriment.
Any strong eager desire.
O sacred hunger of ambitious minds! Spenser.

For hunger of my gold I die. Dryden.

OE. hungren, AS. hyngrian. See Hunger, n.

imperfect & past participle Hungered ; present participle & verbal noun Hungering

To feel the craving or uneasiness occasioned by want of food; to be oppressed by hunger.
To have an eager desire; to long.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteouness. Matt. v. 6.