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Privation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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privation

[prɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sense

The lack or loss of basic necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, or clothing.

Synonyms

deprivation, hardship, poverty.

Examples of usage

  • Many people in developing countries suffer from privation due to poverty.
  • After the natural disaster, the survivors faced privation as they struggled to find food and clean water.
  • The homeless man experienced privation on the streets, without access to proper shelter or warm clothing.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

The state of being deprived of something essential for emotional well-being, such as love, security, or comfort.

Synonyms

deprivation, destitution, isolation.

Examples of usage

  • The child's neglect led to emotional privation and a lack of trust in others.
  • Growing up without a stable family environment can result in emotional privation and feelings of isolation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing privation can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of loneliness or depression.
  • Studies show that lack of basic needs can affect cognitive functions, impairing decision-making.
  • Children growing up in conditions of privation may face developmental delays and social issues.

History

  • Historically, privation has been a common issue during wars, where resources like food and shelter become limited.
  • The Great Depression in the 1930s brought about widespread privation, impacting millions globally.
  • In times of crisis, social systems often struggle to provide adequate support for those facing privation.

Literature

  • Classical literature often explores themes of privation, characterizing protagonists who endure hardships.
  • In 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, the impacts of social privation are a key element of the story.
  • Poets frequently depict privation to evoke pity, illustrating struggles through vivid imagery and emotion.

Global Issues

  • Privation is often linked to poverty, affecting health, education, and access to essential services.
  • About 9% of the world population faces some form of privation related to hunger and malnutrition.
  • Organizations like UNICEF work to combat child privation by addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Origin of 'privation'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'privatio', meaning ' deprivation' or 'taking away'.
  • It shares roots with the word 'private', hinting at something removed or set apart.
  • The concept has been used since the 14th century in English to describe loss or lack.

The word 'privation' comes from the Latin word 'privatio', which means a taking away or deprivation. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the state of being deprived of basic necessities. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass not only physical deprivation but also emotional and psychological lack. The concept of privation has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts to understand the impact of lacking essential elements for human well-being.

See also: privacy, privateer, privately.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,835, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.