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Dispossessed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dispossessed

[หŒdษชs.pษ™หˆzษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in social or economic context

Deprived of possessions or rights, especially property; marginalized or excluded from society.

Synonyms

deprived, excluded, marginalized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispossessed

Use 'dispossessed' when someone has been forcefully stripped of property, land, or possessions, usually through legal or violent means.

  • The indigenous people were dispossessed of their lands during colonial times.
  • After the war, thousands of families were dispossessed and left homeless.
deprived

Use 'deprived' when someone lacks basic necessities or something important, often through neglect or social inequality.

  • Many children in developing countries are deprived of education and healthcare.
  • Growing up in a deprived neighborhood can have long-lasting effects on a person's life.
excluded

Use 'excluded' when someone is intentionally left out or denied access to a group, activity, or privilege.

  • She felt excluded from the conversation because no one acknowledged her presence.
  • Certain communities are often excluded from political processes and decision-making.
marginalized

Use 'marginalized' when someone or a group is pushed to the edge of society and given little importance or power, often due to systemic issues.

  • Marginalized communities often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
  • Efforts are being made to empower marginalized groups and ensure their voices are heard.

Examples of usage

  • They were a community of dispossessed refugees.
  • The dispossessed workers were struggling to make ends meet.
Context #2 | Verb

legal context

To deprive someone of land, property, or other possessions.

Synonyms

deprive, expropriate, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispossessed

Used when referring to someone who has been forced to leave their property or has been stripped of possessions, often reflecting a sense of injustice or a significant loss.

  • The refugees were dispossessed of their homes during the conflict.
  • The indigenous population felt dispossessed after the land was taken from them.
deprive

Used when someone is prevented from having something they need or enjoy. This word often implies a negative action where basic needs or rights are taken away.

  • The severe drought will deprive the crops of necessary water.
  • Prisoners were deprived of their basic human rights.
strip

Used when someone or something is removed of its covering, resources, or attributes, often implying force or thoroughness. This word can have a strong, sometimes negative connotation.

  • The hurricane stripped the roofs off many houses along the coast.
  • He was stripped of his medals after the scandal.
expropriate

This is a formal or legal term used when the government takes private property for public use, usually with compensation. It often pertains to land or large assets.

  • The city plans to expropriate the land to build a new highway.
  • The government expropriated the farmland to construct the airport.

Examples of usage

  • The government dispossessed the farmers of their land.
  • He was dispossessed of his inheritance by his greedy relatives.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, dispossession often symbolizes loss and the struggle for identity, explored in works like 'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin.
  • The dispossessed are often portrayed as victims, showcasing themes of injustice and human rights.
  • 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe illustrates the dispossession of indigenous people through colonial impact.

History

  • Throughout history, many communities have faced dispossession due to colonization, wars, or economic policies.
  • In the U.S., Native American tribes were dispossessed of their land during westward expansion and forced relocations.
  • The term is often used in discussions about land reform and social justice movements worldwide.

Psychology

  • Experiencing dispossession can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and identity crisis, which are important in mental health discussions.
  • Research indicates that dispossession can result in a sense of disconnection from one's roots and community.
  • Psychological impacts might include anxiety and depression among those who feel they have been wrongfully deprived.

Social Issues

  • Dispossession can be linked to economic disparities, often influencing community dynamics and migration patterns.
  • The concept is pivotal in discussions surrounding gentrification, where people are pushed out of their neighborhoods.
  • Internationally, the dispossessed often advocate for land rights and restitution, striving for justice and recognition.

Origin of 'dispossessed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dispossidere', meaning 'to unsettle or remove from possession'.
  • It combines 'dis-', indicating removal, with 'possessed', meaning having ownership.
  • First recorded use dates back to the 15th century, reflecting changes in land ownership throughout history.

The word 'dispossessed' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart, away' and the verb 'possess', ultimately derived from Latin 'possidere' meaning 'to have, to hold'. The term has been used since the 15th century to describe those who have been deprived of their possessions or rights.

See also: dispossess, possess, possessed, possessing, possession, possessions, possessive, possessor, possessors, repossess, repossessing, repossession.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,703, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.