bereaved

[bih-reevd]

adjective

1. (of a person) greatly saddened at being deprived by death of a loved one.

noun

1. Usually the bereaved a bereaved person or persons.

   to extend condolences to the bereaved.

bereaved

/ bɪˈriːvd /

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• unbereaved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bereaved¹

First recorded in 1100–50; Middle English bireved, late Old English birēafod (past participle); bereave, -ed ²

Example Sentences

The Crown Office said it had undertaken "significant reforms" since Mr Marshall's case and that bereaved families "can expect investigations to be pursued with the vigour and expertise they deserve".

Read more on BBC

At the time the watchdog said it had taken the decision to reopen the investigation following representations by the bereaved families.

Read more on BBC

“Inadequate staffing at SSA directly harms the retirees, people with disabilities, and bereaved families the agency is responsible for serving,” Romig and O’Connor report.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Earlier, Sir Adrian Fulford, chairman of the inquiry, promised to do everything "humanly possible" to answer the questions of bereaved families and victims.

Read more on BBC

The verdicts were marked with singing outside the coroner's court, as bereaved families and survivors celebrated a hard-fought moment.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• depressed 
• heartbroken 
• melancholy 
• mournful 
• pessimistic 
• somber 
• sorrowful 
• sorry 
• unhappy