bereaved
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bereaved
First recorded in 1100–50; Middle English bireved, late Old English birēafod (past participle); see bereave, -ed 2
Explanation
Bereaved is an adjective describing people in deep sorrow at the loss of a loved one. For some, being bereaved helps them leave the sadness or release themselves from it by experiencing it for awhile. From the Old English berēafian, meaning "deprive of," bereaved describes the loss you feel when someone you love dies. You are suddenly deprived of the person's presence, and missing and mourning leads to being bereaved. Losing a pet causes similar feelings, and you can be bereaved when a person goes away but is still alive. Loss and separation even in life are still reason to be bereaved over the absence. If someone leaves and you miss them deeply, you may be bereaved.
Vocabulary lists containing bereaved
Born a Crime
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Cry Me A River: Synonyms for "Sad"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Jamie said NHS Lothian underestimated how difficult it could be for bereaved parents to navigate the complaints process.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
The royals will also join survivors, bereaved parents and other members of the community to mark the anniversary, who will share their personal reflections.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
Sir Geoffrey has written to Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh to urge the government to confirm the bereaved families affected will not face this "unjust financial penalty".
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
"The Prime Minister extends his condolences to the bereaved families and prays for them to have the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss," the statement said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
When reporters showed up to get the scoop, her bereaved sons insisted that Kate “died a firm believer” in the spirits.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
