HUNGER STRIKES Meaning and
Definition
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Hunger strikes refer to a form of protest or resistance in which an individual deliberately refrains from consuming food for a prolonged period of time, often with the aim of drawing attention to a particular cause or demanding specific changes. This tactic is typically employed by individuals or groups who feel marginalized, oppressed, or disenfranchised, and believe that extreme measures are required to bring about societal or political change.
During a hunger strike, the protester voluntarily deprives themselves of nourishment and sustenance, often with the intention of putting pressure on those in power and compelling them to address the grievances or demands being protested. The act of hunger striking is often seen as a desperate measure undertaken when other forms of protest or negotiation have been exhausted.
As time progresses without adequate food intake, hunger strikes can have serious physical and physiological consequences on the individual undertaking them. The human body relies on a steady supply of nutrients to function properly, and prolonged fasting can lead to severe weight loss, weakness, fatigue, organ damage, and in extreme cases, even death.
Hunger strikes have historical significance and have been used as a means of protest in various contexts throughout history, such as the suffragette movement, civil rights struggles, political dissidence, and social justice movements. They serve as a powerful tool to attract attention, rally public support, and challenge the status quo by sacrificing one's own well-being for a greater cause.
Etymology of HUNGER STRIKES
The word "hunger strike" is a compound noun formed from two separate words: "hunger" and "strike".
1. "Hunger" comes from the Old English word "hungor" or "hungorǣ", which evolved into Middle English as "hunger". It is related to the Old High German word "hungar" and the Gothic word "huhrus", all ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*hungruz".
2. "Strike" comes from the Middle English word "striken", which means "to strike" or "to hit". Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "strīcan", meaning "to stroke, rub, or go over". It can be further connected to the Proto-Germanic root "*strikōną", which implies "to stroke or rub".
