Can "starve sb into doing sth" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can describe forcing someone by depriving them of something essential, not just food.

Is this phrase formal or informal?

It is more formal and often used in serious or dramatic contexts.

What verb form follows "into"?

Always use the -ing form of the verb after "into."

Can this phrase be used in everyday conversation?

It’s rare but can be used to emphasize strong pressure or deprivation.

Is "starve sb into doing sth" separable?

Yes, the object usually comes between "starve" and "into."

Starve sb into doing sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use

What Does “Starve sb into doing sth” Mean?

“Starve sb into doing sth” means to force someone to do something by withholding food or basic needs until they agree.

Introduction

The phrase “Starve sb into doing sth” is a strong expression used to describe a situation where someone is pressured or forced to take action because they are deprived of food or essential resources. This phrasal verb often appears in serious contexts, such as negotiations or conflicts, where withholding necessities is a tactic to gain compliance. Understanding the “Starve sb into doing sth meaning” helps learners grasp how this phrase conveys coercion through deprivation. It is important to use it carefully, as it implies a harsh method of persuasion.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Starve somebody into doing something
Type: Transitive
Level: B2–C1
Short meaning: Force someone to do something by depriving them of food or essentials

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Starve sb into doing sth” is separable. You can place the object (sb) between “starve” and “into” or after the entire phrasal verb.

Starve somebody into doing something
Starve into doing something somebody

Common pattern:

Subject + starve + somebody + into + verb(-ing)

How to Use Starve sb into doing sth?

Use this phrasal verb when describing situations where deprivation is used as a method to force action. It usually involves people or groups and serious circumstances. The verb following “into” is always in the -ing form.

Example: The captors starved the hostages into confessing.

Examples

In difficult situations, people might be starved into making tough decisions.

The prisoners were starved into signing false statements.
The government threatened to starve the city into surrendering.
She felt starved into accepting the unfair terms of the contract.
The workers were starved into agreeing to lower wages.
During the siege, the army tried to starve the enemy into retreating.

These examples show “Starve sb into doing sth in a sentence” with various subjects and objects.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the structure or meaning of this phrase.

Incorrect: They starved into the prisoners confessing.
Correct: They starved the prisoners into confessing.
Incorrect: She starved him for doing the work.
Correct: She starved him into doing the work.

The verb after “into” should always be in the -ing form, and the object must come directly after “starve.”

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “force sb into doing sth” or “pressure sb into doing sth.” However, “starve sb into doing sth” specifically implies deprivation of food or essentials, making it stronger and more severe.

Force sb into doing sth: General compulsion, no deprivation implied.
Pressure sb into doing sth: Psychological or social pressure.
Starve sb into doing sth: Physical deprivation used as coercion.

Common Collocations

When using “starve sb into doing sth,” certain objects and contexts often appear.

Starve the prisoners: withholding food to force confession.
Starve the enemy: cutting supplies to make them surrender.
Starve workers: withholding wages or food to force agreement.
Starve hostages: depriving captives to get compliance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of starve sb into doing sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a conversation where two friends discuss a news story using the phrasal verb:

Anna: Did you hear about the rebels? They starved the soldiers into giving up their weapons.

Ben: That sounds harsh. Using hunger as a weapon is really cruel.

Anna: Yes, but it shows how powerful “starve sb into doing sth” is when describing forcing someone.

Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the phrasal verb:

The kidnappers ______ the hostages ______ confessing to the crime.
The army tried to ______ the city ______ surrender.
She was ______ into accepting the unfair deal because she had no other choice.

Answers: starved / into doing; starve / into surrendering; starved

FAQ

Q: Can “starve sb into doing sth” be used metaphorically?
A: Yes, it can describe forcing someone by depriving them of something essential, not just food.
Q: Is this phrase formal or informal?
A: It is more formal and often used in serious or dramatic contexts.
Q: What verb form follows “into”?
A: Always use the -ing form of the verb after “into.”
Q: Can this phrase be used in everyday conversation?
A: It’s rare but can be used to emphasize strong pressure or deprivation.
Q: Is “starve sb into doing sth” separable?
A: Yes, the object usually comes between “starve” and “into.”