Hunger
/ˈhʌŋ.ɡər/noun
A feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food.
Did you know?The Old English word for hunger, 'hungor', is linked to a deep-rooted concept of craving, often seen as a metaphor for unfulfilled desire in ancient texts.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kenk-
“to be in need or to lack.”
Old English
Old English
hungor
“a state of intense desire or need, especially for food.”
Middle English
Middle English
hungre
“a feeling of emptiness or desire for nourishment.”
Modern English
English
hunger
“the persistent sensation of needing food, extending metaphorically to emotional or spiritual cravings.”