starve for (something)
To have an intense need or longing for something; to be deprived of something. You'd think the child was starved for attention from the way he screams and shouts around his parents. We've been starving for reliable staff at the hotel lately.
starve for someone or something
Fig. to have a strong desire or need for someone or something. (Based on starved for some food.) I am starved for Jane. I miss her so! Claire was starved for affection.
starve for
v. To cause someone or something to suffer from lack of something. Used in the passive: The dog was starved for attention.