fasting
FAST-ing
/ˈfæs.tɪŋ/
The practice of voluntarily abstaining from all or certain foods and drinks for a specified period of time.
Fasting implies an intentional, controlled choice for health, medical, or religious reasons, unlike unintentional starvation.
The story behind the word. Originates from Proto-Germanic 'fastēną', meaning 'to hold firm' or 'keep tight'. The underlying concept was holding firmly to a duty or spiritual rule, which naturally evolved into holding firmly away from eating food.
Word relationships
- abstinence: Abstinence can refer to refraining from any behavior or substance (alcohol, sex), whereas fasting specifically concerns food intake.
- feasting: Consuming rich foods in large quantities.
- gorging: Eating greedily to excess.
Commonly confused with
- starvation: Starvation is severe, involuntary malnutrition that damages tissue, whereas fasting is timed, deliberate abstention.
Word family
- fast (verb): To abstain from food.
- fasted (adjective): In a state of having eaten no food for a period.
Collocations
- intermittent fasting
- fasting blood sugar
- fasting window
- break a fast
Idioms & expressions
- break fast (breakfast)
Example sentences
- "Intermittent fasting has been studied for its potential effects on insulin sensitivity and cellular repair." Health research
- "During the holy month, many observe a period of daily fasting from dawn till dusk."
Memory hook
Hold FAST to your willpower while FASTING. Fast = Hold firm against food
When not to use
Do not use for involuntary lack of food caused by famine, poverty, or medical inability to swallow.
Fun facts
- The word 'breakfast' literally means 'breaking the overnight fast' that occurs while sleeping.
Explore more words
asceticism, ascetic, abstain, abstinence, starvation, penance
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