bereavement

American  

[bih-reev-muhnt] / bɪˈriv mənt /

noun

1. a period of mourning after a loss, especially after the death of a loved one.

   The widow had many visitors during her bereavement.

2. a state of intense grief, as after the loss of a loved one; desolation.

   Not all therapists are equipped to treat clients suffering with such debilitating bereavement.

3. deprivation or loss by force (usually followed byof ).

   The bereavement of our community began with the closing of the mill.

---

bereavement British  

/ bɪˈriːvmənt /

noun

1. the condition of having been deprived of something or someone valued, esp through death

2. a death

---

Usage

What does bereavement mean? Bereavement is a period of mourning or or state of intense grief, especially following the death of a loved one. Bereavement is often a process that includes going through several stages of grief. Bereavement can also be used more generally to mean the state of having lost something very dear. Example: While on bereavement leave from work, Jenn coped with her loss by spending time in nature and talking to a therapist.

Etymology

Origin of bereavement

First recorded in 1725–1735; bereave + -ment

Explanation

If you have ever mourned someone's passing, you know about bereavement — the period of sorrow that follows the death of a loved one. Bereavement comes from an Old English word that means “rob,” “deprive,” and “seize.” When a loved one is taken, usually through death, those who remain are often left in a state of bereavement. Bereavement is not only reserved for the death of a human family member or friend, but the loss of a pet can also induce bereavement.

Example Sentences

"We also offer Bereavement Support Payments to help people through the immediate period following a bereavement."

From BBC • May 15, 2026

“Younger children in particular, they rely on constancy in their lives to feel like everything’s OK,” said clinical psychologist Karen Rogers, of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2025

The amount of financial support available depends on individual circumstances, but Alison Penny, director at the Childhood Bereavement Network, says it is likely to be many thousands of pounds.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2024

Maggi was selected with outfielder Bryan Reynolds going on the Bereavement List.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2023

Bereavement gives us spiritual surprises, and death becomes the servant of life.

From My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year by Jowett, John Henry

Related Words

• sorrow