bereavement

American  

[bih-reev-muhnt] / bɪˈriv mənt /

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of bereavement

First recorded in 1725–1735; bereave + -ment

Example Sentences

The baby loss support charity, based in Balsall Common, near Solihull, provides one-to-one bereavement support to families and gives out memory boxes.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

An inquest found Freyja died because of "fractures and birth trauma" rather than medical negligence, but the hospital has apologised for the bereavement care.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

• sorrow