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Bereave Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bereave

[bษชหˆriหv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

grief

Deprive someone of a loved one through a profound absence, especially due to death.

Synonyms

deprive, dispossess, rob.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bereave

Used mostly in the context of losing a loved one due to death, involving deep emotional pain and sorrow.

  • She was bereaved of her husband after a long illness.
  • The war has bereaved many families of their young sons.
deprive

Usually refers to the act of denying someone of something essential or desired. It does not necessarily involve a sense of ownership.

  • The children were deprived of their basic right to education.
  • Lack of sleep can deprive you of the energy you need for the day.
rob

Involves theft or stealing, often accompanied by force or threat. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The thieves planned to rob the bank at midnight.
  • She felt like life had robbed her of her dreams.
dispossess

Often used in legal or formal situations where someone is stripped of property, land, or belongings usually by others such as the government or through legal means.

  • The family was dispossessed of their home due to unpaid taxes.
  • The indigenous people were dispossessed of their lands by the colonizers.

Examples of usage

  • She was bereaved of her husband in a tragic car accident.
  • The war bereaved many families of their sons and daughters.
  • Being bereaved of a child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can go through.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, bereavement often serves as a poignant theme, providing depth to character motivations and emotional journeys.
  • A famous example is Shakespeareโ€™s works, where loss drives characters to madness or profound reflection.

Psychology

  • Grief from bereavement can trigger various emotional responses, ranging from sadness to anger.
  • Psychologists often study bereavement stages, like denial and acceptance, to help people understand their feelings during loss.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique rituals for dealing with bereavement, like wearing black clothing or holding memorial services.
  • In certain traditions, people might create altars to honor the memory of those they have lost.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs explore themes of mourning and bereavement, articulating feelings of loss and longing.
  • Movies often depict bereaved characters to elicit sympathy and explore the human condition, drawing audiences fully into their emotional arcs.

Origin of 'bereave'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'bereven', which means to take away or rob.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'berฤ“afian', blending the meaning of loss and deprivation.

The word 'bereave' originated from the Old English word 'bereafian', meaning 'to deprive of, take away, seize, rob'. Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically refer to depriving someone of a loved one, especially through death. The emotional weight of the word reflects the deep sense of loss and sorrow experienced when someone is bereaved.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,129, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.