English · Word Candidate

fasting

/ˈfæstɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: fastings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Abstinence or mortification for religious reasons, especially abstinence from food.

Noun

Examples

Long vigils—fastings that wore away the strength of day—prayers that banished sleep from night—hoarded vengeance, that, like a fire, consumed its abode—affections crushed to the very earth—a memory whose love was with the grave,—a faith that had coloured itself with mortal passion,—all these had pre

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Abstinence from food, limiting caloric intake, for medical or health reasons, dieting.

Noun

Examples

an obese patient while he was undergoing fasting for weight reduction

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “fasting” mean?

Abstinence or mortification for religious reasons, especially abstinence from food.

Is “fasting” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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