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

Hatter says there can be very different and unpredictable responses to grief, including a condition known as "bereavement mania" where someone can seem inappropriately hyper or even euphoric after the loss of a loved one.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

The Archie Foundation, which provides support to babies, children and families during a hospital stay or after a bereavement, has now stepped in to cover the £600 cost.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 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

After Uncle Al recovers from his violent but short-lived bereavement, he organizes a farewell befitting “our beloved Lucinda.”

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

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

"Some families have lost jobs, there's been bereavements, the list could go on and on and it's just about the school providing the right support for each individual," she added.

From BBC ● May 15, 2022

Other domestic bereavements likewise befell him, and other worldly cares and duties were laid upon his hands, but neither grief nor business could check the fertility of his brain.

From Shakespeare's England by William Winter

Related Words

• sorrow