The verb "starve out" means to force someone or something to surrender or leave by denying them food or resources. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /stɑːv aʊt/. The first syllable is pronounced /stɑːv/ with a long "a" sound, the "r" sound is evident in the British English accent, and the final syllable is pronounced /aʊt/ with a diphthong that combines the "a" and "u" sounds. This spelling represents the standard British pronunciation, which may vary slightly in American English.
The term "starve out" is a phrasal verb that can be used in different contexts, but generally refers to the act of depriving someone or something of resources or sustenance to the point of causing deprivation, weakness, or lack of productivity, ultimately leading to their elimination or surrender. This term often carries a negative connotation, as it implies a deliberate and potentially cruel action.
In a military context, "starve out" refers to a strategy used to force an enemy to surrender by cutting off their supplies and provisions, thus weakening their ability to resist. In this sense, the intention is to exhaust the enemy's resources until they are compelled to give in.
More broadly, "starve out" can apply to economic, political, or personal situations. For instance, it can describe an economic boycott against a company or a country, aimed at weakening their financial stability until they meet certain demands or change their policies. It can also be used to describe a situation where individuals or communities are denied access to essential resources, such as food or water, with the intention of exerting control or dominance.
Overall, "starve out" denotes the intentional act of depriving someone or something of sustenance or resources to the point of causing significant harm, weakness, or elimination, usually with a clear objective in mind.
The etymology of the phrase "starve out" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The word "starve" originates from the Old English word "steorfan" which means "to die" or "perish". The Old English term evolved into "sterven" in Middle English, which also encompassed the meaning "to die" or "die of hunger".
The addition of the preposition "out" to "starve" in the phrase "starve out" emphasizes the act of causing somebody or something to suffer or die from hunger by depriving them of food or resources gradually. This usage of "starve out" developed in the late 16th century and has been commonly used ever since.