deprive

[dih-prahyv]

verb (used with object)

deprived, depriving 

1. to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons).

   to deprive a man of life; to deprive a baby of candy.

2. to remove from ecclesiastical office.

deprive

/ dɪˈpraɪv /

verb

1. (foll by of) to prevent from possessing or enjoying; dispossess (of)

2. archaic,  to remove from rank or office; depose; demote

Other Word Forms

• deprivable adjective
• deprival noun
• deprivative adjective
• depriver noun
• nondeprivable adjective
• predeprive verb (used with object)
• self-depriving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English depriven, from Anglo-French, Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + prīvāre “to deprive” ( prīv(us) private + -āre infinitive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

C14: from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, from Latin _de- + prīvāre to deprive of, rob; see _private

Synonym Study

See strip ¹.

Example Sentences

The US had described the five - from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen - as "deprived monsters".

From BBC

"Ethan was being beaten, he was being starved, and he was being deprived of fluids," the judge told the court.

From BBC

But negotiations aimed at addressing the water shortage are at an impasse, and leaders of environmental groups say the secrecy surrounding the talks is depriving the public of an opportunity to weigh in.

From Los Angeles Times

Their ploy is to deprive Democrats of leverage.

From Los Angeles Times

But the watchdog warns campus closures "can disproportionately impact more deprived students who often travel further and rely on public transport to attend classes".

From BBC

Related Words

• bankrupt 
• bereave 
• dispossess 
• divest 
• rob 
• strip