deprive
verb (used with object)
to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons).
had been depriving
-
past perfect progressiveof deprive.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
As he sat beside her and the horse walked on, he was conscious that in avoiding her he had been depriving himself both of entertainment and valuable instruction.
From The Ramrodders A Novel by Holman Day
I felt as if I had been depriving him of his property.
From Hurricane Hurry by William Henry Giles Kingston
