Gaunt-cheeked

Describing a person or animal with prominent cheekbones and sunken cheeks, giving the face a thin and often somewhat emaciated appearance. This condition can be caused by illness, starvation, aging, or extreme stress. It suggests a lack of fullness in the cheeks, creating a hollowed-out look. The term often carries connotations of fragility, hardship, or a lack of physical well-being. The degree of gauntness can vary, ranging from a subtle prominence of the cheekbones to a deeply hollowed and skeletal appearance. It is a visual indicator that can suggest various underlying physical or emotional conditions.

Gaunt-cheeked meaning with examples

• The elderly woman, her face gaunt-cheeked and lined with the passage of time, sat silently on the park bench, watching the children play. The effects of years had taken a toll on her. Sunlight cast harsh shadows. She clutched a worn purse, lost in memories of a life lived. Her delicate frame suggested a life of struggles and perseverance.
• After weeks lost in the wilderness, the survivor emerged, gaunt-cheeked and weak, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and relief. The harsh conditions showed. He stumbled forward. The experience had visibly changed him. His journey had carved deep lines. He needed medical attention immediately to recover his health.
• The stray dog, with its matted fur and gaunt-cheeked face, cautiously approached the food offered by the compassionate stranger. Its ribs were visible. He was starving and looked in very poor health. The dog hesitated, but its hunger eventually overcame its fear. The animal clearly required immediate care.
• In the portrait, the artist skillfully captured the subject's gaunt-cheeked features, highlighting the intensity and vulnerability in her eyes. The lighting emphasized the hollows. The choice of style further drew attention to the character’s personality. The picture was powerful and moving. This feature added depth to her character.
• The protagonist's gaunt-cheeked appearance in the novel reflected the emotional toll the recent tragedy had taken on him. Stress and trauma had left their mark. He found himself in shock after his loss. He needed to find a solution. His physical decline reflected his internal struggles, making it clear that he had endured a significant ordeal.