bereaved
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bereaved
First recorded in 1100–50; Middle English bireved, late Old English birēafod (past participle); see bereave, -ed 2
Explanation
Bereaved is an adjective describing people in deep sorrow at the loss of a loved one. For some, being bereaved helps them leave the sadness or release themselves from it by experiencing it for awhile. From the Old English berēafian, meaning "deprive of," bereaved describes the loss you feel when someone you love dies. You are suddenly deprived of the person's presence, and missing and mourning leads to being bereaved. Losing a pet causes similar feelings, and you can be bereaved when a person goes away but is still alive. Loss and separation even in life are still reason to be bereaved over the absence. If someone leaves and you miss them deeply, you may be bereaved.
Vocabulary lists containing bereaved
Born a Crime
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Beowulf vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cry Me A River: Synonyms for "Sad"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bereaved mother Liz Charlton spoke publicly this week about "maternity failings" which she said had led to the death of her daughter, Hazel, in 2021.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice said the report was "utterly damning".
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
The committee's decision was welcomed by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, which had made a complaint that prompted the latest investigation.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
Grundle, who represents the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice, said not being able to be with close family members in the final hours and days of their lives "tears us apart".
From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026
Bereaved as I am, I am still richer than you, my conqueror.
From Bulfinch's Mythology: the Age of Fable by Bulfinch, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
