Hollow-cheeked

Characterized by cheeks that appear sunken or gaunt, often due to a loss of subcutaneous fat. This physical trait can result from various factors, including illness, malnutrition, extreme weight loss, aging, or a genetic predisposition. The hollowness creates a more pronounced bone structure in the face, emphasizing the cheekbones and potentially giving an impression of fragility, gauntness, or ill health. The term is primarily used to describe a physical appearance, implying a specific facial structure distinct from the fullness typically associated with healthy individuals. The degree of hollowness can range from subtle to extreme, affecting the overall aesthetic of the face. The condition can signal underlying issues and is visually striking.

Hollow-cheeked meaning with examples

• The old woman, her face ravaged by time and hardship, had deeply hollow-cheeked features that hinted at a life of struggle. Every contour of her face was defined. The wrinkles etched on her skin deepened the valleys and the cheekbones protruded out of her frail face. Her hollow cheeks told the story of her tough existence.
• Following her illness, the previously vibrant model became noticeably hollow-cheeked, her face appearing thin and drawn. The contrast between her former look and the present one was stark, revealing the physical toll the disease had taken on her. The subtle hollowness emphasized her prominent cheekbones, making her appear gaunt and pale.
• The starving refugees, their hollow-cheeked faces a testament to their suffering, stared blankly ahead. Their eyes sunken and hollowed out into their skulls with nothing but skin left in the spaces. The stark contrast with their swollen stomachs served as a silent plea for help, their desperation etched on their faces.
• The cadaver, already drained of life, possessed distinctly hollow-cheeked features, accentuating the sharp angles of the jawline. The lack of fullness in the cheeks added to the lifelessness, the subtle indentations a constant reminder of the finality of death. The cold, unyielding face offered no secrets.
• The actor, striving to embody a character ravaged by addiction, intentionally thinned his cheeks, becoming hollow-cheeked to convey the character's physical decline. Through makeup and the subtle art of emaciation, he achieved a gaunt look, adding depth to his performance and further emphasizing the character's frail state.