What Does โStarve sb of sthโ Mean?
โStarve sb of sthโ means to keep someone from having something important, often something necessary or desired, causing them to suffer or feel deprived.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โStarve sb of sthโ is commonly used in English to describe situations where someone is deliberately or unintentionally denied something they need or want. The โsbโ stands for โsomebody,โ and โsthโ stands for โsomething.โ This phrase often relates to essential things like food, attention, or resources. Understanding the Starve sb of sth meaning helps you express ideas about deprivation or neglect clearly and naturally.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Starve somebody of something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To prevent someone from having something necessary or wanted
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โStarve sb of sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means the object (someone) comes directly after โstarve,โ and the thing they are deprived of follows โof.โ
Pattern: Starve + somebody + of + something
Example: They starved the children of food during the crisis.
How to Use Starve sb of sth?
Use โstarve sb of sthโ when talking about denying someone something important. It often implies a negative effect or harm caused by this deprivation. It can refer to physical needs like food or emotional needs like attention or love.
It is usually used in formal or serious contexts but can also appear in everyday conversation when emphasizing lack or neglect.
Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how to use โStarve sb of sth in a sentenceโ:
- The prisoners were starved of food and water for days.
- Children starved of attention may develop behavioral problems.
- During the blackout, the town was starved of electricity.
- The new policy starves schools of the funds they need to operate properly.
- She felt starved of love after her friends stopped contacting her.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the structure or use the wrong preposition. Here are some typical errors:
- Incorrect: They starved food of the children.
- Correct: They starved the children of food.
- Incorrect: Starve somebody from something.
- Correct: Starve somebody of something.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โdeprive sb of sthโ and โdeny sb sth.โ While all involve withholding something, โstarve sb of sthโ often implies a more serious or urgent lack, especially in basic needs.
- Deprive sb of sth: More neutral, can be temporary or permanent.
- Deny sb sth: Focuses on refusing permission or access.
- Starve sb of sth: Implies causing suffering due to lack.
Common Collocations
People often use โstarve sb of sthโ with important needs or resources:
- Food: To not provide enough food.
- Attention: Lack of care or interest.
- Love: Emotional neglect.
- Resources: Money, supplies, or help.
- Information: Keeping someone uninformed.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of starve sb of sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โstarve sb of sthโ:
Anna: I think the kids are starved of attention since their parents are so busy.
John: Yes, they need more time with family to feel happy and secure.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence with the correct phrase:
They ______ the employees ______ proper breaks during the long shift.
- a) starved / of
- b) starved / from
- c) starved / with
Answer: a) starved / of
FAQ
- Q: Can โstarve sb of sthโ be used in informal English?
A: Itโs more common in formal or serious contexts but can be used informally to emphasize lack.
- Q: Is โstarve sb of sthโ separable?
A: No, it is inseparable. The object (sb) comes immediately after โstarve.โ
- Q: Can it be used with abstract things?
A: Yes, you can starve someone of attention, love, or information.
- Q: What is the difference between โstarve sb of sthโ and โdeprive sb of sthโ?
A: โStarve sb of sthโ usually suggests a more serious or harmful lack.
- Q: Can โstarveโ be used without โofโ?
A: When used as a phrasal verb meaning โstarve sb of sth,โ the โofโ is necessary.
