Fasting
/ˈfæstɪŋ/noun
The act of abstaining from food, drink, or certain pleasures for a period of time.
Did you know?The English word ultimately comes from a Germanic root meaning to hold firmly, which is why fasting is historically tied to discipline and restraint rather than just hunger.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“To hold, grasp, or fix firmly.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*fastuz
“Firm, fixed, steadfast.”
Old English
OE
fæstan
“To hold oneself strictly, abstain from food, keep religious observance.”
Middle English
ME
fasten
“To fast; to abstain from food for religious or disciplinary reasons.”
Modern English
English
fasting
“Abstaining from food or drink for a period of time.”