bereavement

American  

[bih-reev-muhnt] / bɪˈriv mənt /

noun

• bereavements
  plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bereavements
  plural

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

See Examples For:

bereavement bereavements

Bradnam said he had only recently been able to contact the probe due to health issues and a family bereavement.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Bush accepted he should have contacted the council's bereavement services and apologised to his victims.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Later events in our lives, like entering a new relationship, experiencing a breakup or dealing with bereavement, can also be influential.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

Hospices almost always have social workers or bereavement coordinators who can explain what happens after death, and point you to the right agencies.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

But on the floor of White County Hospital, he screamed in some anguished and alien language of bereavement.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Mr Crook, whose family suffered two bereavements in a matter of months, is one of a number of people calling for a review of the system in England and Wales.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2025

Their models projected that, even if all of the conflict-related deaths ceased after 2023, past bereavements would continue to impact communities and individuals until at least 2070.

From Salon ● Oct. 19, 2024

The courage of Josua Tuisova and Sam Matavesi, who have played on at this World Cup while stricken by grief after family bereavements.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 15, 2023

And while the coupling between the “Groundhog Day” star and Kelis might seem unlikely, both share recent personal losses — bereavements that the Sun claims they bonded over.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2023

His affectionate disposition and kindly manner gained the devotion of his many child patients; and his own family bereavements made him a sympathetic physician and friend to many a sorrowing mother.

From Sir James Young Simpson and Chloroform (1811-1870) Masters of Medicine by Henry Laing Gordon

Related Words

• sorrow