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

The report also highlighted a "siloed way of working" described by some families between the bereavement service, mortuary and funeral directors.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

Don’t expect your airline to offer a discounted bereavement fare.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

For many years, if you needed to take a flight due to a family member’s death or impending death, airlines would offer a discounted bereavement, or compassionate, ticket.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

Ms. Carr is at her strongest when she’s writing about hard times in family life, especially in cases of bereavement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

For any true stickler, you see, the sight of the plural word “Book’s” with an apostrophe in it will trigger a ghastly private emotional process similar to the stages of bereavement, though gready accelerated.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

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

Two widowed parents have set up a charity to help others that have been through similar bereavements.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2021

His bereavements do not disturb him and he doesn't care twopence about his career.

From Leaves in the Wind by Gardiner, A. G. (Alfred George)

Related Words

• sorrow