Starve out
verb
To cause someone or something to leave or stop doing something by not giving them food.
The police tried to starve out the criminals who were hiding in the house by not allowing them to get food.
Often appears as...
- starve out the enemy
- starve out the opposition
verb
To get rid of someone by making their conditions very hard and uncomfortable.
The company tried to starve out the employees who they wanted to get rid of by giving them tough tasks.
Often appears as...
- starve out someone
- starve out the opposition employees
verb
To cause someone or something to leave or stop doing something by not giving them food.
The police tried to starve out the criminals who were hiding in the house by not allowing them to get food.
Often appears as...
- starve out the enemy
- starve out the opposition
verb
To get rid of someone by making their conditions very hard and uncomfortable.
The company tried to starve out the employees who they wanted to get rid of by giving them tough tasks.
Often appears as...
- starve out someone
- starve out the opposition employees
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Military Tactics
Often used in historical or military contexts when describing sieges or blockades.
During the war, the fortress was starved out after a month-long siege.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where resources are withheld to force action.
The artist was starved out of his complacency when the grants were cut off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Implies a harsh or cruel method of removing someone from a situation.
The occupiers were starved out of the building after utilities were shut off.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Tactics
Often used in historical or military contexts when describing sieges or blockades.
During the war, the fortress was starved out after a month-long siege.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where resources are withheld to force action.
The artist was starved out of his complacency when the grants were cut off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Implies a harsh or cruel method of removing someone from a situation.
The occupiers were starved out of the building after utilities were shut off.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Tactics
Often used in historical or military contexts when describing sieges or blockades.
During the war, the fortress was starved out after a month-long siege.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where resources are withheld to force action.
The artist was starved out of his complacency when the grants were cut off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Implies a harsh or cruel method of removing someone from a situation.
The occupiers were starved out of the building after utilities were shut off.
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