devoid

American  

[dih-void] / dɪˈvɔɪd /

adjective

1. not possessing, untouched by, void, or destitute (usually followed byof ).

   Synonyms:

   barren, bereft, destitute, wanting, lacking

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verb (used with object)

1. to deplete or strip of some quality or substance.

   imprisonment that devoids a person of humanity.

devoid British  

/ dɪˈvɔɪd /

adjective

1. destitute or void (of); free (from)

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Etymology

Origin of devoid

1350–1400; Middle English, originally past participle < Anglo-French, for Old French desvuidier to empty out, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + vuidier to empty, void

Explanation

You're stranded in the ocean, miles from shore, clinging to a sinking boat, and you can't swim? Sorry to say, your situation is devoid of all hope. When you fall off a cliff, you fall into the void. Void means "empty." Devoid means "empty of." Always answer the question "Of what?" when you use it: "My wallet is devoid of cash. My teacher is devoid of pity. My cookie jar is devoid of cookies." These examples are devoid of anything not totally depressing!

Related Words

• bare
• barren
• lacking
• vacant