What Does “Starve sb for sth” Mean?
“Starve sb for sth” means to deliberately keep someone from getting something they need or want, often to gain control or influence.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “starve sb for sth” is used when someone is denied a particular resource, attention, or care, usually on purpose. This expression often describes situations where someone is left without enough of something important, such as food, love, or money. Understanding the “Starve sb for sth meaning” helps learners use it accurately in both spoken and written English. It is commonly used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal discussions about social issues.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Starve somebody for something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To intentionally keep someone from having something they need or want
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Starve sb for sth” is a transitive and inseparable phrasal verb. This means the object (sb) always comes right after “starve,” and the preposition “for” introduces what the person is being starved of.
Pattern:
- Starve + somebody + for + something
Example: They starved the prisoners for food.
How to Use Starve sb for sth?
Use “starve sb for sth” when discussing situations where someone is deprived of something important. It often implies intentional or forced deprivation. It can refer to physical needs like food or emotional needs like attention.
Common topics include relationships, social issues, or even workplaces where resources or support are withheld.
Examples
Imagine a child who does not get enough attention from their parents. You can say they are “starved for love.”
- The company starved employees for information during the crisis.
- During the drought, the animals were starved for water.
- She felt starved for affection after moving to a new city.
- The rebels starved the town for supplies to weaken their resistance.
- Many children in the region are starved for education.
These examples show how “Starve sb for sth in a sentence” expresses lack or deprivation.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the structure or use “starve” without “for” when talking about deprivation.
- Incorrect: They starved the prisoners food.
- Correct: They starved the prisoners for food.
- Incorrect: She starved for attention her whole life.
- Correct: She was starved for attention her whole life.
Remember, “starve sb for sth” requires “for” to introduce what is being withheld.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar verbs include “deprive sb of sth” and “deny sb sth,” but they differ slightly:
- Deprive sb of sth: More neutral, means to remove or lose something.
- Deny sb sth: Refuses permission or access.
- Starve sb for sth: Emphasizes intentional and often harsh withholding of something necessary.
For example, “starving a child for food” implies a stronger, more serious lack than simply “denying” food.
Common Collocations
We often use “starve sb for sth” with words related to basic needs or emotional desires.
- Food: To keep someone without enough to eat.
- Water: Denying access to drinking water.
- Love or attention: Emotional neglect.
- Information: Withholding important facts.
- Money or resources: Preventing access to financial support.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of starve sb for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a simple conversation using the phrasal verb:
Anna: I think the kids are starved for attention lately.
Ben: Yeah, we’ve both been so busy. We need to spend more time with them.
Anna: Exactly. They really need our support right now.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of “starve sb for sth.”
- The government __________ the rebels __________ supplies during the conflict.
- Many children in poor areas are __________ __________ education.
- She felt __________ __________ love after moving away from her family.
- They __________ the workers __________ information about the new policy.
FAQ
- Q: Is “starve sb for sth” always negative?
A: Yes, it usually describes a harmful or unfair lack. - Q: Can “starve sb for sth” be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, especially when discussing deprivation or social issues. - Q: What is the difference between “starve sb for sth” and “starve sb of sth”?
A: “Starve sb for sth” is more common and idiomatic. “Starve sb of sth” is less used but can mean the same. - Q: Can it be used with non-physical things?
A: Yes, it can refer to emotional needs, attention, or information. - Q: Is “starve” separable in this phrasal verb?
A: No, the structure is inseparable.
