bereavement

[bih-reev-muhnt]

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.

bereavement

/ bɪˈriːvmənt /

noun

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

2. a death

Word History and Origins

Origin of bereavement¹

First recorded in 1725–1735; bereave + -ment

Example Sentences

The money helped venues that were facing imminent closure due to challenges arising from floods, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and noise complaints.

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The village - like every town and village in the country - emerged from the war as a community of bereavement.

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The centre-right government wants to make it easier for employers to fire people, outsource work to other companies, and limit some types of compassionate leave, including cutting bereavement leave for women who suffer miscarriages.

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While an inquest found no medical negligence, the trust has apologised for the bereavement care Freyja's parents experienced, adding it was "deeply sorry for the tragic loss".

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Gwen Aaron, who works with bereavement charities, said sensitivity and clear communication are crucial when informing families of a death.

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Related Words

• sorrow 

When To Use

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.