starvation

noun

1. a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period

   noun.state

   Synonyms famishment

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. the act of depriving of food or subjecting to famine

   noun.act

   Examples

   The besiegers used starvation to induce surrender.

   They were charged with the starvation of children in their care.

   Synonyms starving

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. The act of starving, or the state of being starved.

   noun

   Source: webster1913