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

Lawyer Imran Khan, who represented the bereaved and survivors in the inquiry, told AFP "the lessons from Grenfell apply around the world" as all governments need to ensure high-rise residential buildings are safe.

Read more on Barron's

A bereaved mother says she had abuse shouted at her as she put up her Christmas lights display in memory of her late daughter "because it was only November".

Read more on BBC

They include current and former politicians, civil servants, government advisers, public health experts and representatives of bereaved families.

Read more on BBC

Existing fast-track routes for victims of domestic abuse, bereaved partners and resettled refugees will remain.

Read more on BBC

A total of 31 witnesses from Wales appeared including politicians, civil servants, public health experts and representatives of bereaved families.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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