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.

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bereavement British  

/ bɪˈriːvmənt /

noun

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

2. a death

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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

Example Sentences

Reasonable excuses for avoiding fines include serious illness or a close family bereavement.

From BBC

They said the most urgent cases, for example those experiencing bereavement, ill-health or hardship would be prioritised, with those expected to be dealt with by the end of February.

From BBC

He claims hospital leaders denied the family bereavement support because Greg died at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, where he was transferred after the fall.

From BBC

They would also benefit from parish staples such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, bereavement groups and even bingo night.

From The Wall Street Journal

Prices start at £850, which includes the services of a dedicated bereavement officer to make all the arrangements, a spokesperson said.

From BBC

Related Words

• sorrow